Consecrated life is a call from God to a lifetime of radical discipleship shaped by the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, commonly known as religious vows. These vows are not simply vows, but a way of life aims to embody the life of Jesus Christ on earth while giving witness to a prophetic message of hope anchored in the promises for a life of happiness with God. Consecrated life is a journey to be walked, not alone, but in communion with all heading toward heaven. While on the way, with God’s help, one works on personal holiness as well as on aiding each other to achieve sainthood as Church, the Bride of Christ. The human experience of the journey of life here and now could be scarred by psychological, emotional, social and physical suffering, not to mention the hardship brought about by wars and natural disasters.
In this human experience, what is the purpose behind a vocation to give oneself in totality to God? Many explanations may have been given in answering this question, but are they satisfactory? Or is there more to learn?
In the last couple weeks, I watched the recordings on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) of the opening of the five Holy Doors. I was moved by the opening of the Holy Door at the Rebibbia prison, a correctional institute in Rome. I watched it several times. At the Holy Door of the Rebibbia prison, Pope Francis stood up from his wheelchair, knocked on the bronze door, and then he walked through the Door once it opened. The cameras zeroed in on the face of Pope Francis as well as on the faces of those present. In attendance were a mix of Church as well as prison officials, some inmates and others.
At the homily, our Holy Father went off script to speak from his heart. At the end of Mass, Pope Francis lingered to allow people in the audience to come up to greet him. The audio was off during informal greetings of the Pope so one could not hear conversations. However, one could see. I found myself mesmerized looking at the faces that the cameras captured, especially those of the inmates. Our Holy Father took time looking into the eyes of each greeter and spoke to him or her with ease and personal. When all the greeters had stepped off the altar, Pope Francis waved for the microphone to be brought to him. He then reminded everyone to hang on to the rope of hope while making hand motions of pulling on a rope.
I became curious wondering how many popes had opened Holy Doors at prisons in the past. I then typed the question asking the artificial intelligence on my computer. AI said, “According to recent reports, Pope Francis made history by opening a “Holy Door” at the Rebibbia prison in Rome, marking the first time a pope has dedicated a prison door as a Holy Door in the history of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee tradition; this occurred during the 2025 Jubilee year of Hope.”
Significant to my ministry are the consecrated women and men living and working in our Diocese of Metuchen. Perhaps they too made history by their heroic choice of action. When the war in Ukraine broke, many Sisters, Brothers, and Priests of their congregations and federations chose to stay in Ukraine to help their fellow citizens while most ran for safety. Additionally, there were consecrated persons who lived in nearby countries such as Siberia, Russia, Poland, Italy, and Germany to name a few. They opened their residences, monasteries, and convents to the war victims who had fled their country. The hospitality offered at these locations did not stop at food and shelter. The religious ensured that children had a safe place to play and schools to continue their formal education. They assisted adults to find work. And eventually, each family unit had a place of their own to call ‘home’ in new countries.
In the United States, religious congregations responded concurrently stepping beyond their capacity of service. They called on the generosity of their own members and associates, parishes and schools, various organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the Rosarians, individual families, and many more. These individuals shipped countless care packages to help the Ukrainian refugees, many of whom were women and children.
Tying together the shining examples of Pope Francis and the religious around the globe, I gain greater insight into the purpose of the call to follow Jesus more closely. It demands nothing short of heroism. This type of heroism and compassion does not happen spontaneously, unless first, the doors of one’s heart stand open to God’s call in Isaiah, “Comfort, give comfort to my people …” (Isaiah 40:1). That every tear be wiped away and that each person encountered be given hope of a better tomorrow.
May the blazing fire of hope which is Christ, our Savior, be for you today and the days to come the comfort that you give readily to His people. May this flame within you continue to burn brightly guiding all on pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem. May you know the certitude that you have made an impact. Let us celebrate you! You are in my grateful prayers. Congratulations!