Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) is grateful for the inclusion of two of its major studies in this new book as it noticeably recognizes the global impact of our mission. The NRVC endorses this book and its contributors as it broadens the key messages about the women and men who have entered religious life since 1993. As God continues to call, the NRVC research in this book amplifies the response of newer entrants who have abundant hope amid changing demographics."
Deborah M. Borneman, SSCM, National Religious Vocation Conference Director of Mission Integration"God’s call is indeed everywhere, and we can learn from how it is manifested in the lives of young women all over the world! This book offers a big picture understanding of women’s religious life through the qualitative study of the words of its newest and youngest members. The true benefit of this book is the insights gained from considering a global experience of the gifts and challenges of religious life today as experienced by its newest members. Knowledge of global perspectives offers opportunities to consider how religious life as we know it is consistent with the rest of the world. Understanding challenges faced elsewhere helps us grapple with our own complex local contexts as we seek to share the gifts of religious life with the next generations."
Sarah Kohles, OSF, editor of In Our Own Words: Religious Life in a Changing World"This book is a hopeful and realistic window into religious life today. The authors provide clarity around the needs and desires of recent entrants to religious life in several countries. Religious institutions can find hope for the future alongside challenges for paving the way for that future, all based on solid data. The needs of those who are just starting their journey of religious life are clear: prayer life at the center, some adaptation to more mature entrants, preparation of formation directors, and solid community life. In addition to the statistical and qualitative information provided here, clear suggestions for improving the lives of young religious were laid out. Instead of the typical focus on diminishment and aging of women religious, this book gives a hopeful outlook by focusing on what is present and the joy and hope held by those who are still hearing God’s call. It should be required reading for all who are involved in the administration of women’s religious institutes and the formation of newer religious."
Juliet Mousseau, author of Prophetic Witnesses to Joy
“The book serves as an enlightening guide that sheds light on the beauty and significance of the consecrated life. The wisdom, knowledge, and personal experiences shared within its pages have the power to inspire, educate, and transform the hearts and minds of many religious. What sets the book apart is the authentic and genuine voice that emanates from its pages. Furthermore, the book's structure and organization are commendable. Each chapter, thoughtfully crafted and filled with spiritual wisdom, guides the reader through the various aspects of the consecrated life. It is evident in the book that the collective effort of our sisters has been fueled by a sincere desire to help others discern and embrace the call to consecrated life.”
Metti Amirtham, SCC"God’s Call Is Everywhere should be recommended reading for anyone involved in vocational ministry. It truly is a snapshot of the current generation of young women who are discerning and developing their response to the call of God. While there is a decrease in women choosing religious life, this book clearly indicates that God is still calling. However it is a noisy world with many distractions and it can be hard to find suitable people to ‘walk together’ on the path of discernment."
Gerard Gallagher, Communications and Membership Services, Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of IrelandTable of ContentsContents Foreword
by Patricia Murray, IBVM vii
List of Tables and Figures xvii
List of Contributors xxi
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
Chapter 2 Comparing Institutes of Women Religious and Their Newer Members 9
Chapter 3 Generational Differences among Newer Entrants to Religious Life 41
Chapter 4 Obstacles to Vocation Discernment and Entrance 79
Chapter 5 New Vocations and Vocational Exploration in Britain and Ireland 103
Chapter 6 Women’s Religious Life Vocations in Mexico: Elements for Further Reflection 139
Chapter 7 Vocation to Religious Life: Through the Lens of Young Religious in India 151
Chapter 8 Experiences of Newer Religious Vocations in Kenya 167
Chapter 9 Reflection on Religious Life and the Future Challenges, Opportunities, and Dreams 183
Chapter 10 Formation Implications from the Data for Religious Life’s Newest Members 193
Chapter 11 Conclusion 203
References 211
Index 217
