Vow of poverty

Vow of poverty

Display Complete Articles

Reflections from a new member on the vow of poverty

A former migrant worker —all too familiar with economic poverty— looks at what it means for a religious community to live the vow of poverty. Read more...

Vowed poverty: Gospel stewardship in a consumerist society

By Richard Woods OP

The vow of poverty has been a point of controversy many times in the history of religious life. Perhaps it’s time to re-examine the vow and ask ourselves some hard questions. Read more...

The vow of consecrated poverty and other scary words

By Mary Pat Garvin R.S.M.

The vow of poverty sometimes makes candidates and religious squirm. Yet it’s important to face both our anxieties and joys concerning this challenging vow. Read more...

Religious poverty: witness to the risen Christ

By Michael D. Guinan O.F.M.

If it isn’t rooted in a profound relationship with God, the vow of poverty can quickly deteriorate into arguments about who’s “the poorest.” Read more...

Surprised by splendor: new members and the vow of poverty

By Janet Mock C.S.J.

To authentically live the vow of poverty demands that we know ourselves, give freely of ourselves, and that we stand with the poor and outcast. Read more...

To live in poverty is a call to love

By Melania Strehl S.N.D.

The vow of poverty compels us to live in sacrificial love. How do we know we’re called to live this vow within consecrated life? Lectio Divina offers guidance. Read more...

Poverty: New thoughts on an old vow

Poverty: New thoughts on an old vow

Discerners don’t get far in considering religious life without thinking hard about poverty, chastity, and obedience. With that in mind, HORIZON begins a series of reflections on the evangelical counsels. Read more...

To know and be known: a brief theology of the vows

To know and be known: a brief theology of the vows

By Sister Juliet Mousseau R.S.C.J.

The vows grow out of a particular way of seeing ourselves and our relationship with God and each other. Ultimately they are meant to bring us closer to God. Read more...

HORIZON ...

God is still calling men and women to religious life. However, ... More

National Board Nominations ...

At its spring meeting, the National Board selects new members from ... More

Keep in touch ...

Good news! Now you can use our National Office dedicated line ... More

Entrance Class Report ...

This annual CARA report presents the findings of 362 women and ... More

Bold and Faithful Storymap ...

Many vocation ministers are coping with losses in their communities at ... More

CONNECT WITH NRVC

NCYC

Nov. 20-23, 2025,

Register today...

Pope Leo dialogue's with NCYC teens!

November 21, 2025,

Host a watch party to promote vocations!

National Office Closed

Nov. 27-28, 2025,

Thanksgiving holiday

West Coast Member Area Gathering

December 10, 2025,

via Zoom

Board Executive Committee Meeting

Dec. 14-17, 2025,

El Paso, TX

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2026,

Mark your calendar...

Catholic Sisters Week

March 8-14, 2026,

National Board Meeting

April 16-20, 2026,

Tucson, AZ

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

April 26, 2026 ,

Religious Brothers Day

May 1,

VISION Discerner Guide

HORIZON Journal

Iamnrvc

Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J.

Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J.

Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J. is a new NRVC Board Member as of September 2025. She is a HORIZON contributor and a grateful recipient of the 2022 NRVC Outstanding Member Recognition Award. Read more...

Renew your NRVC membership

© 2025 National Religious Vocation Conference NRVC

( * ) Site design and programming by ideaPort, LLC