"Your vocation is a fundamental charism for the Church's journey and it isn't possible that a consecrated woman or man might 'feel' themselves not to be with the Church," he told around 800 members of the International Union of Superiors General.

"It is an absurd dichotomy to think of living with Jesus but without the Church, of following Jesus outside of the Church, of loving Jesus without loving the Church," he said.

Pope Francis did not specifically refer to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States, which was last year required to undergo reform. But one of the Vatican's concerns about the LCWR was a convention speaker who said that some women's religious orders were "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus".

The Pope rejected the idea that religious obedience does not necessarily require deference to the hierarchy. He said: "Obedience is listening to God's will, in the interior motion of the Holy Spirit authenticated by the Church, accepting that obedience also passes through human mediations."

He also spoke about the vows of poverty and chastity, saying: "Theoretical poverty doesn't do anything. Poverty is learned by touching the flesh of the poor Christ in the humble, the poor, the sick, and in children."

On chastity, the Pope urged women religious to practise "a 'fertile' chastity, which generates spiritual children in the Church. The consecrated are mothers: they must be mothers and not 'spinsters'!"

He added: "What would the Church be without you? It would be missing maternity, affection, tenderness and a mother's intuition."

Pope Francis also cautioned the religious superiors against ecclesiastical careerism.

He said: "The men and women of the Church who are careerists and social climbers, who 'use' people, the Church, their brothers and sisters — whom they should be serving — as a springboard for their own personal interests and ambitions … are doing great harm to the Church."

Sources:

Vatican Information Service

Catholic News Agency

Catholic News Service

Image: National Catholic Reporter

Many people commented how moving the ceremony was especially when Petero make his vows. A crack in his voice was clearly audible. It was very emotional, said Philip Bennenbroek, a fourth year seminarian. Brendan Jenke, a first year student commented that it was the moment Petero had been preparing for all his life. He was particularly struck by the words ‘Mary, loving mother I am yours!'

Petero hails from a village in Fiji called Nawi and from the parish of the Holy Cross. The Bishop elect of Rarotonga and former provincial of the Society of Mary in Oceania, Paul Donoghue SM, preached at the Mass. Petero is a member of the Province of Oceania of the Society of Mary. Fr Paul made a wonderful connection with the history of Petero's village, the name of the parish and the profession cross Petero would receive during the ceremony. The story about a battle between the Fijians and Tongans brought a few smiles to the congregation.

The presentation of the Tabua, whale's tooth, during the ceremony was particularly moving and memorable. It is an expression of honour and was presented by Petero's family, seated around him, formally handing him over to the Society of Mary. Fr Phil Cody held the Tabua for all to see and Fr Michael Wooler SM, parish priest of St Anne's, replied to the family on behalf of the Society.

Petero will continue his studies at Marist Seminary and Good Shepherd College awaiting dates for his ordination to diaconate and priesthood. His ordination to the priesthood will take place in Fiji.

Source:

Christopher Skinner

Image: Philip Cody