9 Sisters of Bon Secours attended Sr. Sandra Schneiders' Seminar

About 100 sisters from across the USA participated in a seminar given by Sr. Sandra Schneiders, IHM entitled, “God So Loved The World…” Ministerial Religious Life in the 21st Century, including 9 of us Sisters of Bon Secours.  Because the seminar coincided with our international leadership team meeting, even some of our leadership members from other countries were able to come early to participate in the seminar.

Sr. Sandra spoke on how active women religious now understand their call to be active and itinerant, following in the footsteps of Jesus who was an itinerant rabbi teacher who called a small band of women and men to be in his company 24/7 to participate in his daily full-time ministry; and who sent out his disciples, (also itinerant) to share the “Gospel” in word and deed with people and to witness to God’s presence in the world.

Sr. Sandra talked about how we understand our vows of consecrated celibacy, poverty and obedience within this context and its implications for our congregations, religious life and the larger Church in the world.  As a scholar, Sr. Sandra traced the historical context for religious life which has evolved into how a majority of women religious in the USA live their lives today.

We were quite fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this wonderfully informative and participative seminar.  I also wanted to share with you a five part essay by Sr. Sandra Schneiders on the meaning of Religious Life today.  Enjoy!

Part One: Religious Life as Prophetic Life Form, Jan. 4

Part Two: Call, Response and Task of Prophetic Action, Jan. 5

Part Three: What Jesus taught us about his prophetic ministry, Jan. 6

Part Four: Tasks of those who choose the prophetic life style, Jan. 7

Part Five: Religious life: sharing Jesus’ passion, resurrection, Jan. 8