Bishop Tobin on Living the Vows

"Recently I celebrated Mass with the religious jubilarians of the Diocese - sisters, brothers and priests - who are celebrating special anniversaries of their religious professions this year. Although not all could attend, the anniversaries ranged from 25 years to 80 years! Can you imagine - 80 years of religious life! The celebration was an occasion to talk about the consecrated life, to thank the jubilarians for their devoted service, and to invoke God's richest blessings upon them.

"During the Mass the jubilarians renewed their solemn vows, their commitment to poverty, chastity and obedience. Solemn vows are also referred to as 'evangelical counsels,' since they are rooted in the Gospel and are freely accepted in a desire to be completely conformed to Christ, the 'chaste, poor and obedient One,' as St. John Paul has it. (Vita Consecrata, #18)"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the importance of renewing our own vows  to be poor, chaste and obedient in imitation of Christ as they apply to our state in life.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: We Should All Live the Vows (6 JUN 19)