Vocations Corner
Celebration of Consecrated Life
Recently my wife, Selia and I met a Benedictine Sister from Vietnam who impressed me with her way of life. She was soft-spoken, alert, energetic, and determined. After several conversations, I came to appreciate that her twenty eight years of consecrated life has provided her with remarkable gifts to appreciate, enjoy, and bear the burdens of life.
The Benedictine Order of priests, brothers and sisters live their life of contemplation based on the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia. For fifteen centuries men and women have been living in monastic communities combining work and prayer. Like Trappists, Poor Clares, and Carmelites, among other orders, Benedictines serve the Church with intercessory prayer and the fruits of their labors.
Through my conversations with Sister, I became quickly aware that she possessed a presence which I presumed resulted from her innumerable hours of prayers. However, she also exuded an awareness of the practicality of life which apparently was the product of community industry. Sister showed us her knitting and crocheting handiwork; she described handmade greeting cards, food prepared for community and church gatherings; and community-raised vegetables, chickens, and even pigs.
Each February the Church honors priests, brothers and sisters who serve the Church through Religious Orders. This year on February 1st, Bishop Soto celebrated the Day for Consecrated Life with a Vesper Service and Dinner at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Carmichael. Thirteen religious were honored for their jubilees (25, 50, or 60 years).
In the Diocese of Sacramento, there are about 60 communities of religious. Some are more recognizable than others: Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits, Mercy Sisters, Christian Brothers, and Passionist Priests. In addition there are numerous communities who serve the Diocese and marginalized members of our community, often out of the limelight and without recognition.
Sr. Paulina Hertado, OP has been appointed by Bishop Jaime Soto as the Diocesan Director for Permanent Deaconate and Religious. It is through this office that Knights of Columbus and other Church organizations can provide prayerful support for all the Religious Communities in the Diocese.
Please remember those serving the Church and the community in your prayers during the coming days and weeks.
Bob Leach
