Vow of poverty

Vow of poverty

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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...

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Ordination Class Report ...

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Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P.

Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P.

Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P. was a carefree teenager when she first met her community, the Little Sisters of the Poor by happenstance. "They were happy, genuinely happy," she recounts. Read more...

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