with regard toyou, Lord, and toothers.” not. It is a timetoget our lives back on track to separate from what is whatisnecessary what mattersandpasses away, atime ment but ofour judgment: a timeto choose pope saidthat “it isnotthetimeofyourjudg on, said. Addressing God, the them and resolve to act accordingly from now to on peopletojudgewhatismostimportant God’s judgmentonhumanitybutGod’s call The worldwide coronavirus pandemicisnot Pope Francis Pandemic the Coronavirus in the Time of et Orbi Extraordinary Blessing

CNS documentary service Urbi streets and our cities.” gathered over our squares, our evening. Thick darkness has “For weeks now it has been - (to thecityandworld). usuallygive giving anextraordinary blessing “urbi etorbi” a monstrance withtheBlessed Sacrament and cations forhumanityMarch 27before raising ing oftheCOVID-19 pandemicanditsimpli Francis offered hismeditationonthemean stops everything asitpasses by;stops everything we feelitin deafening silenceandadistressing void that taken over ourlives, witha fillingeverything squares, ourstreets andourcities;ithas ning. Thick darkness hasgathered over our like this. For weeks now ithasbeeneve w Vaticana.Editrice message follows, copyright©2020by Libreria spoke in Italian; a Vatican translation of his him sothathecanconquerthem.” Thepope boats of our lives. Let us handover our fears to sage, thepopesaid, “Let usinviteJesus intothe calmingthestormysea. Theninhismes reading ofMark’s oftheGospel accountof protect their people. included the The service who beartheburden ofmakingdecisions to by caring forthesickandpoliticalleaders sick and dying, for medicalworkers exhausted them comfort. He tocare askedGod forthe would seehow peopleare sufferingandgive praying thatthe “almighty andmerciful God” a rain-drenched, emptySt. Peter’s Square — . Pope Francis —in openedtheservice after theirelectionandonChristmas their blessing “urbi etorbi” onlyimmediately have just heard begins passageweGospel come” (Mk 4:35). The hen evening had continued onpage 722 - - - - 721 contents 736 724 736 731 729 728 Pandemic andUniversal Extraordinary On File Datebook National Religious Closeness intheSpirit Apart butNotAlone: by PopeFrancis the CoronavirusPandemic Blessing intheTimeof Number 45 Volume 49 April 9,2020 Sister ThuT.Do,LHC by MaryL.Gautierand Life: ExecutiveSummary Vocations toReligious Study onRecent Vocation Conference by BishopStevenBiegler by BishopDermotFarrell Time ofCrisisandFear Hope andStrengthina for Life by thePontificalAcademy COVID-19 Emergency Brotherhood: Noteonthe Urbi etOrbi

continued from page 721 priorities. It shows us how we have allowed to Countries fighting the coro- the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their become dull and feeble the very things that navirus pandemic could face glances give them away. We find ourselves nourish, sustain and strengthen our lives and deadly consequences if they focus on protecting their afraid and lost. our communities. economies more than their Like the disciples in the Gospel, we were The tempest lays bare all our prepackaged own people, Pope Francis caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent ideas and forgetfulness of what nourishes our said. storm. We have realized that we are on the people’s souls; all those attempts that anes- In a handwritten letter same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, thetize us with ways of thinking and acting sent March 28 to Argentine but at the same time important and needed, that supposedly “save” us but instead prove Judge Roberto Andres all of us called to row together, each of us in incapable of putting us in touch with our Gallardo, president of the need of comforting the other. roots and keeping alive the memory of those Pan-American Committee of Judges for Social Rights On this boat ... are all of us. Just like those who have gone before us. We deprive our- and Franciscan Doctrine, the disciples who spoke anxiously with one voice, selves of the antibodies we need to confront pope said that some govern- saying “we are perishing” (v. 38), so we too adversity. ments that have imposed have realized that we cannot go on thinking In this storm, the façade of those stereo- lockdown measures “show of ourselves but only together can we do this. types with which we camouflaged our egos, the priority of their decisions: people first.” It is easy to recognize ourselves in this always worrying about our image, has fallen story. What is harder to understand is Jesus’ away, uncovering once more that (blessed) “This is important because we all know that defending attitude. While his disciples are quite natu- common belonging, of which we cannot be the people implies an eco- rally alarmed and desperate, he stands in the deprived: our belonging as brothers and sis- nomic setback,” he said in the stern, in the part of the boat that sinks first. ters. “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” letter, which was published And what does he do? In spite of the tempest, Lord, your word this evening strikes us and March 29 by the Argentine he sleeps on soundly, trusting in the Father; regards us, all of us. In this world that you newspaper La Nacion. this is the only time in the Gospels we see love more than we do, we have gone ahead at “It would be sad if they opted Jesus sleeping. breakneck speed, feeling powerful and able for the opposite, which would lead to the death of many When he wakes up, after calming the wind to do anything. Greedy for profit, we let our- people, something like a viral and the waters, he turns to the disciples in a selves get caught up in things and lured away genocide,” the pope wrote. reproaching voice: “Why are you afraid? Have by haste. In his letter, the pope said you no faith?” (v. 40). We did not stop at your reproach to us, we that while he was concerned Let us try to understand. In what does the were not shaken awake by wars or injustice about the global spread of lack of the disciples’ faith consist, as contrast- across the world nor did we listen to the cry the COVID-19 virus, he also ed with Jesus’ trust? They had not stopped of the poor or of our ailing planet. We carried was “edified by the reaction of so many people — doctors, believing in him; in fact, they called on him. on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy nurses, volunteers, religious But we see how they call on him: “Teacher, do in a world that was sick. Now that we are in a men and women and priests you not care if we perish?” (v. 38). Do you not stormy sea, we implore you, “Wake up, Lord!” — who risk their lives to heal care: They think that Jesus is not interested in “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” and defend healthy people them, does not care about them. Lord, you are calling to us, calling us to from contagion.” One of the things that hurts us and our faith. Which is not so much believing that you Although lockdown mea- families most when we hear it said is, “Do exist but coming to you and trusting in you. sures implemented in many you not care about me?” It is a phrase that This Lent your call reverberates urgently: “Be countries may “annoy” those forced to comply, the pope wounds and unleashes storms in our hearts. converted!” “Return to me with all your heart” said that people have real- It would have shaken Jesus too. Because he, (Jl 2:12). You are calling on us to seize this ized that it is for the sake of more than anyone, cares about us. Indeed, time of trial as a time of choosing. It is not the the common good. once they have called on him, he saves his time of your judgment but of our judgment: a In the long run, he said, disciples from their discouragement. time to choose what matters and what passes “most people accept them The storm exposes our vulnerability and away, a time to separate what is necessary and move forward with a uncovers those false and superfluous certain- from what is not. It is a time to get our lives positive attitude.” ties around which we have constructed our back on track with regard to you, Lord, and Pope Francis also told Gallardo that he recently daily schedules, our projects, our habits and to others. met with members of the for Promoting ISSN 0093-609X, Origins, CNS Documentary Service, is published weekly (except biweekly during July, August and Integral Human December's last week) by Catholic News Service, 3211 4th Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. Copyright © 2020 Development to discuss “the by Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Periodical-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. present situation and what Editor, Edmond Brosnan; Associate Editor, Mary Esslinger; Director and Editor-in-Chief of CNS, Greg Erlandson. comes after” because “pre- Editorial: (202) 541-3284. Circulation: (202) 541-3290. Email: [email protected]. paring for the aftermath is Web: www.catholicnews.com/origins. important.” Subscriptions: One year, $119; foreign postage additional. Single copy: $8. Back issues: Inquire for availability and rates. “We are already seeing some Attach mailing label to change of address requests and subscription correspondence. Postmaster: Send address chang- consequences that need to be es to Origins, CNS Documentary Service, 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-1100. confronted,” the pope said. Documentation in Origins is selected on the basis of interest and usefulness in reference to current issues. Publication does not signify endorsement by Origins or its sponsoring body, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

722 origins We can look to so many exemplary com- In the midst of isolation, when we are suf- panions for the journey, who, even though fering from a lack of tenderness and chances “Hunger — especially for people without a steady job fearful, have reacted by giving their lives. This to meet up and we experience the loss of so (odd jobs, etc.) — violence is the force of the Spirit poured out and fash- many things, let us once again listen to the and the appearance of loan ioned in courageous and generous self-denial. proclamation that saves us: He is risen and is sharks,” who are “the real It is the life in the Spirit that can redeem, value living by our side. plague of the social future; and demonstrate how our lives are woven The Lord asks us from his cross to redis- (they are) dehumanized together and sustained by ordinary people — cover the life that awaits us, to look toward criminals.” often forgotten people — who do not appear those who look to us, to strengthen, recognize in newspaper and magazine headlines nor and foster the grace that lives within us. Let As national and local gov- on the grand catwalks of the latest show but us not quench the wavering flame (cf. Is 42:3) ernments have been issuing stay-at-home or shelter- who without any doubt are in these very days that never falters, and let us allow hope to be in-place orders to curb the writing the decisive events of our time: doc- rekindled. spread of the coronavirus, tors, nurses, supermarket employees, clean- Embracing his cross means finding the Pope Francis asked people to ers, caregivers, providers of transport, law courage to embrace all the hardships of the pray for and assist those who and order forces, volunteers, priests, religious present time, abandoning for a moment our are homeless. men and women, and so very many others eagerness for power and possessions in order He offered his morning Mass who have understood that no one reaches to make room for the creativity that only the March 31 for those who are homeless “at a time when salvation by themselves. Spirit is capable of inspiring. It means finding people are asked to stay at In the face of so much suffering, where the courage to create spaces where everyone home.” the authentic development of our peoples is can recognize that they are called and to allow At the start of a livestreamed assessed, we experience the priestly prayer of new forms of hospitality, fraternity and soli- Mass from the chapel of his Jesus: “That they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). darity. residence, the pope prayed How many people every day are exercising By his cross we have been saved in order that people become aware patience and offering hope, taking care to sow to embrace hope and let it strengthen and of all those who lack shelter not panic but a shared responsibility. How sustain all measures and all possible avenues and housing and help them and that the church would many fathers, mothers, grandparents and for helping us protect ourselves and others. “welcome them.” teachers are showing our children in small Embracing the Lord in order to embrace The pope’s comments came everyday gestures how to face up to and navi- hope: That is the strength of faith, which frees as images circulated on gate a crisis by adjusting their routines, lifting us from fear and gives us hope. social media of homeless their gaze and fostering prayer. How many are “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” people sleeping on a parking praying, offering and interceding for the good Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that lot in Nevada where officials of all. Prayer and quiet service: These are our tells of Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like had painted boxes to remind those sleeping there to keep victorious weapons. this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, physical separation. “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” through the intercession of Mary, health of Faith begins when we realize we are in need the people and star of the stormy sea. From At an earlier Mass the pope of salvation. We are not self-sufficient; by this colonnade that embraces and the prayed for prisoners experi- ourselves we founder: We need the Lord, like whole world, may God’s blessing come down encing great uncertainty and ancient navigators needed the stars. upon you as a consoling embrace. worrying about their fami- Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our Lord, may you bless the world, give health lies who cannot visit them lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask due to lockdown measures he can conquer them. Like the disciples, we us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak, and to contain the coronavirus pandemic. will experience that with him on board there we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us Dressed in white will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again, “Do to commemorate the feast strength: turning to the good everything that not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). And we, together with of St. Joseph March 19, the happens to us, even the bad things. He brings Peter, “cast all our anxieties onto you, for you pope expressed his closeness serenity into our storms because with God life care about us” (cf. 1 Pt 5:7). ■ to prisoners “who suffer so never dies. The Lord asks us and, in the midst much in this moment of of our tempest, invites us to reawaken and put uncertainty and pain.” into practice that solidarity and hope capable “Let us pray today for our brothers and sisters who of giving strength, support and meaning to are in prison,” he said at the these hours when everything seems to be beginning of his morning floundering. Mass. “They suffer so much The Lord awakens so as to reawaken and because of the uncertainty of revive our Easter faith. We have an anchor: By what will happen inside the his cross we have been saved. We have a rud- prison and thinking about their families, wondering der: By his cross we have been redeemed. We how they are, if someone is have a hope: By his cross we have been healed sick, if they lack something.” and embraced so that nothing and no one can The pope also invited those separate us from his redeeming love.

origins 723 To survive the disease we must isolate our- following the livestreamed Pandemic selves from each other, but if we were ever broadcast of the Mass to to learn to live isolated from one another, we make an act of spiritual Communion, and he led and Universal would quickly realize how essential for our them in a traditional prayer lives is life with others. for those unable to receive Brotherhood: Note In the very middle of our technological the sacrament. and managerial euphoria, we have found our- on the COVID-19 selves socially and technically unprepared for Saying conflicts can never the spread of this contagion: It has been dif- be resolved with war, Pope Emergency ficult for us to recognize and admit its impact. Francis added his support And now we are rushing to limit its spread. to a U.N. appeal for a global But if we consider the existential destabiliza- cease-fire amid the world- for Life wide threat of the COVID-19 tion that it is causing, we see similar unpre- pandemic. paredness — not to say a certain resistance “May our joint effort against The COVID-19 pandemic has caught entire — with respect to the recognition of our phys- the pandemic lead everyone communities and nations off guard, and the ical, cultural and political vulnerability in the to recognize our need to best way to tackle this global crisis is together face of the phenomenon. strengthen our brotherly and as a global family, the Pontifical Academy for This destabilization is beyond the reach of sisterly ties as members of Life said. “An emergency like that of COVID-19 science and of the technology of therapeutic one human family,” the pope said March 29, after praying is overcome with, above all, the antibodies of devices. It would be unfair — and a mistake the Angelus in the library of solidarity,” the academy said in a seven-page — to attribute the responsibility for this situa- the . note published March 30 on its website, acad- tion to scientists and technicians. At the same “In particular, may it inspire emyforlife.va. With experts in the field of sci- time, it is certainly true that greater depth of national leaders and other ence and ethics, the papal academy wished to vision and the input that comes from more concerned parties to a “contribute its own reflections” in order to fos- responsible reflection about the meaning and renewed commitment to ter “a renewed spirit that must nourish social values of humanism has the same urgency as overcome rivalries. Conflicts relations and care for the person” during this research on pharmaceuticals and vaccines. are not resolved through war. It is necessary to overcome pandemic, it said. All 163 papal academi- And not only that. Realizing this profundity antagonism and differences cians were asked to take part, and the “Note and responsibility creates a context of cohe- through dialogue and a con- on the COVID-19 Emergency” was the result of sion and unity, of alliance and brotherhood, structive search for peace,” that consultation, the academy said in a news by reason of our shared humanity that, far he said. release. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, acad- from suppressing the contributions of men The pope said he was add- emy president, gave Pope Francis a copy of the and women of science and government, ing his voice to support the text during a private meeting in the Apostolic greatly supports them and reaffirms their appeal by U.N. Secretary- General Antonio Guterres Palace March 30. “The pope confided in me roles. Their dedication — to which is already for an immediate global two of his concerns: how to help right now, owed the deserved and heartfelt gratitude of cease-fire amid the COVID-19 especially the weakest; and for the future, how all — will certainly come through this time pandemic. to come out of this (crisis) strengthened in soli- strengthened and appreciated. The pope said he was invit- darity,” including on a global level, the arch- In this context, the Pontifical Academy ing everyone to take part by bishop said. Titled “Pandemic and Universal for Life, which by its institutional mandate “ceasing all forms of military Brotherhood,” the text highlights what ethi- promotes and supports the alliance between hostilities, promoting the creation of corridors for cal standards must prevail when dealing with science and ethics in a search for the best humanitarian aid, being the care and support of both individuals and possible humanism, wishes to contribute its open to diplomacy and offer- communities in health care as well as more own reflections. Its intent is to locate certain ing attention to those who “existential” concerns that often go ignored elements of this situation within a renewed find themselves in situations in a world increasingly focused on individual spirit that must nourish social relations and of great vulnerability.” rights, isolationist national interests and a care for the person. The exceptional situa- flood of data divorced from the people it rep- tion that today challenges the brotherhood of Pope Francis expressed his resents. The note follows, copyright © 2020 by the humana communitas must finally trans- gratitude to the many men Libreria Editrice Vaticana. form itself into an occasion for this spirit of and women who have been inspired to help the poor and humanism to influence institutional culture accompany the sick and the All humanity is being put to the test. The at a regular pace: within individual peoples elderly during the coronavi- COVID-19 pandemic puts us in a situation and in the harmonious bonds between peo- rus pandemic. of unprecedented, dramatic and global diffi- ples. “These days, news has arrived culty whose power to destabilize the plans we of how many people are have for our lives is growing day by day. The Solidarity in Vulnerability and in beginning to have a general pervasiveness of this threat calls into question Limitations concern for others — caring about the families who do aspects of our way of life that we have been First, the pandemic highlights with unexpect- not have enough to get by, taking for granted. We are living painfully a ed harshness the precariousness that radically paradox that we would have never imagined: characterizes our human condition. In some

724 origins regions of the world, this precariousness in son becomes decisive for everyone. This situ- individual and community existence is a daily ation makes more immediately evident what the elderly who are alone, the sick in the hospitals — and experience due to poverty that does not allow we knew but did not adequately internalize: who pray and try to give everyone access to care, even if it is avail- For better or worse, the consequences of our them some help,” the pope able, or to food in sufficient quantities, even actions always fall on others as well as on our- said March 27 at the begin- if not lacking worldwide. In other parts of the selves. There are no individual acts without ning of his livestreamed world, the number of areas of uncertainty has social consequences. morning Mass. been progressively reduced through advances This applies to each individual and to each “This is a good sign,” he said. in science and technology, to the point where community, society and population center. “Let us thank the Lord for we deceive ourselves by thinking that we are Reckless or foolish behavior that seemingly stirring up these feelings in the hearts of his faithful.” invulnerable or that we can find a technical affects only ourselves becomes a threat to all The papal almoner’s office solution for everything. who are exposed to the risk of contagion, per- announced March 26 that Yet, however much effort we make, it has haps without even affecting the actor. the pope was donating 30 not been possible to control the pandemic In this way we learn how everyone’s safety ventilators to “hospitals in that is underway, even in the most economi- depends on everyone else’s. the areas most affected by the cally and technologically developed societ- The outbreak of epidemics is certainly a COVID-19 pandemic.” ies, where it has overwhelmed the capabilities constant in human history. But we cannot of laboratories and health care facilities. Our hide the characteristics of today’s threat, Pope Francis offered his early morning Mass March 26 for optimistic projections about our scientific which shows that it can adapt its pervasive- vulnerable people and health and technological capabilities have perhaps ness to our current way of life very well and care workers who live in fear allowed us to imagine that we would be able can circumvent protective measures. With our that they or their loved ones to prevent the spread of a global epidemic of efficient and wide-ranging transportation and may fall ill to the coronavi- this magnitude, so much so that its possibility delivery network, we must be aware of the rus pandemic sweeping the seemed increasingly remote. effects of our development models, which world. We have to recognize that this is not the exploit hitherto inviolate forest areas where “In these days of so much case. And today we are even encouraged to microorganisms unknown to the human suffering, there is so much fear,” the pope said at the think that, together with the extraordinary immune system are found. We will probably start of the Mass, which was resources of protection and care that our find a solution to what is attacking us now. We livestreamed from the chapel progress produces, there are also side effects will have to do so, however, with the knowl- of his residence, the Domus that show the weakness of our system, and we edge that this type of threat is gathering long- Sanctae Marthae. have not been vigilant enough with respect term systemic potential. Pope Francis spoke specifi- to them. Second, it will be better to address the cally of “the fear of the elderly In any case, it is painfully obvious that we problem with the best scientific and orga- who are alone in retirement homes or in hospitals or in are not masters of our own fate. And science nizational resources that we have, avoiding their own homes and do not as well is showing its limitations. We already ideological emphasis on the model of a soci- know what could happen; knew this: The conclusions of science are ety that equates salvation with health. Rather the fear of workers without a always partial, whether because it focuses — than being considered a defeat for science steady job who think about for convenience or for substantive reasons and technology — which must surely always how they will feed their chil- — on certain aspects of reality and leaves out excite us because of its progress, but at the dren and see hunger coming; the fear of many social ser- others or by reason of the nature of scientific same time it must make us humbly live with vants who in these moments theories, which are temporary in any case its limits — disease and death are a deep help society move forward and subject to revision. But in the uncertainty wound to our dearest and deepest affections, and could get sick.” that we have experienced in dealing with the but it cannot however impose on us the aban- COVID-19 virus, we have perceived with new donment of the rightness of those affections Neither Pope Francis nor any clarity the gradualness and complexity that and the breakdown of affective bonds. Not of his closest collaborators are part of scientific knowledge, which has its even when we have to accept our inability have the COVID-19 virus, special requirements with respect to method- to fulfill the love those affections and bonds said Matteo Bruni, director ology and validation. contain within themselves. Even though our of the Vatican press office. In a note March 28, Bruni Precariousness and the limits of our life is always mortal, we have the hope that confirmed that a monsignor understanding also appear as global, real such is not the case with the mystery of love who works in the Vatican and shared; there are no real arguments that in which life resides. Secretariat of State and allow some civilizations or entities to con- lives in the Domus Sanctae sider themselves sovereign, better than others From De Facto Interconnection Marthae, where Pope Francis lives, did test positive for the and able to isolate themselves when conve- To Chosen Solidarity coronavirus and, “as a pre- nient. Now, we are close enough to “touch” Never have we been called on to become caution,” was hospitalized. our interconnectedness. Indeed, we are more aware of the reciprocity that is at the basis of Bruni said that as of March interconnected by our exposure to vulnerabil- our life as much as we have during this ter- 28, the Vatican health service ity than by the efficiency of our tools. rible emergency. Realizing that every life is a had conducted more than Contagion spreads very quickly from one life in common, together we make up life, and 170 tests for the virus. country to another; what happens to one per- life comes from “the other.”

origins 725 The resources of a community that energy, sometimes even at the risk of they cannot not be limited to those fac- refuses to consider human life as only a their own life or health, to alleviating the tors. Allowing human phenomena to be biological fact are a precious commod- suffering of the sick. Their professional- interpreted solely on the basis of the ity that also accompanies responsibly all ism extends well beyond the confines of categories of empirical sciences would the other activities necessary for care. contractual obligations, thus testifying mean producing answers on only a Perhaps we have thoughtlessly wasted that work is above all an area of expres- technical level. That would end in a this patrimony, whose value makes a sion, of meaning and of values, not just logic that considers biological processes difference in times like these and have “transactions” or “merchandise” to be as the determinants of political choices, seriously undervalued the relational exchanged for a price. according to that dangerous path that goods that it is able to share and distrib- But the same goes for researchers bio-politics has taught us about. Nor is ute when emotional bonds and com- and scientists who put their skills at the it respectful of the differences among munity spirit are sorely tried, precisely service of others. Commitment to the cultures to understand them with a by our need for the very necessities that sharing of forces and information has single technical-scientific way: The dif- protect biological life. made possible the rapid establishment ferent connotations ascribed to health, Two rather crude ways of think- of cooperation among research center disease, death and health care systems ing that nevertheless have apparently networks on experimental protocol to can constitute richness for all. become commonplace and reference establish the safety and efficacy of phar- Instead, we need an alliance between points when we speak of freedom and maceuticals. science and humanism that must be rights tend to be brought up in discus- As well, we must not forget all those integrated and not separated from, or sions today. The first is “my freedom other women and men who every day worse, set against each other. An emer- ends where the other’s begins.” This for- choose positively and courageously gency like that of COVID-19 is overcome mula, already dangerously ambiguous, to guard and nourish brotherhood. It with, above all, the antibodies of soli- is inadequate to the real understand- is the mothers and fathers of families, darity. Technical and clinical means of ing of experience, and not by accident the elderly and the youth; it is the per- containment must be integrated into a is it affirmed by those who are in fact sons who, even in objectively difficult broad and deep search for the common in a position of strength: Our freedoms situations, continue to do their work good, which will have to resist a tenden- are always intertwined and overlapped, honestly and conscientiously; it is the cy to direct benefits toward privileged for better or for worse. Rather, we must thousands of volunteers who have not persons and a neglect of vulnerable per- learn to render our freedoms collabora- stopped serving; it is the leaders of sons according to citizenship, income, tive for the common good to overcome religious communities who continue politics or age. the tendencies that an epidemic can to serve those entrusted to their care This applies as well to all the choic- nourish, to see in the other an “infec- even at the cost of their lives, as has es made pursuant to a “care policy,” tious” threat from which to distance been revealed by the stories of so many including those more closely connected ourselves, an enemy from which to pro- priests who have died of COVID-19 have with clinical practice. The emergency tect oneself. revealed. conditions in which many countries are The second is “my life depends solely Politically, the current situation urges finding themselves can lead to forcing on me.” — No, it doesn’t. We are part of us to take a broad view. In international doctors into dramatic and painful deci- humanity, and humanity is part of us. relations (and in the relations among sions with respect to rationing limited We must accept this dependency and the members of the European Union) resources not available to everyone at appreciate the responsibility that makes it is a shortsighted and illusory logic the same time. us participants and protagonists in it. that seeks to give answers in terms of In such cases, after having done at an There is no right that does not have a “national interests.” Without effective organization level everything possible resultant corresponding duty: The coex- cooperation and effective coordination to avoid rationing, it should always be istence of those who are free and equal that addresses the inevitable political, borne in mind that decisions cannot is an exquisitely ethical question, not a commercial, ideological and relational be based on differences in the value of technical one. resistances firmly, viruses do not stop. a human life and the dignity of every We are therefore called to recognize Of course, these are very serious and person, which are always equal and with new and deep emotion that we are burdensome decisions: We need an priceless. The decision concerns rather entrusted to each other. Never as much open vision and choices that do not the use of treatments in the best pos- as today has the caring relationship pre- always satisfy the immediate desires of sible way on the basis of the needs of sented itself as the fundamental para- individual populations. But given the the patient, that is, the severity of his or digm for human coexistence. markedly global current dynamic, our her disease and need for care, and the The change from de facto interde- responses, to be effective, cannot be evaluation of the clinical benefits that pendence to chosen solidarity is not an limited to what happens within one’s treatment can produce, based on his or automatic transformation. But already own borders. her prognosis. we have various signs of a shift toward Age cannot be considered the only responsible actions and fraternal behav- Science, Medicine and Politics: The and automatic criterion governing ior. We see this with particular clarity Social Link Put to the Test choice. Doing so could lead to a dis- in the commitment of health care per- Political decisions will certainly have criminatory attitude toward the elderly sonnel who generously devote all their to take scientific data into account, but and the very weak. In any case, it is nec-

726 origins essary to formulate criteria, agreed upon have broken out (“infodemia”), with intercession — founded in the crucifix as much as possible and based on solid their inexact data and the fragmentary — retains its unstoppable and decisive arguments, to avoid arbitrariness or reports. power, even should people seem not to improvisation in emergency situations, live up to God’s blessing (Ez 32:9-13). as disaster medicine has taught us. The Obligation to Protect the Weak: This cry of intercession from the people Of course, it bears repeating: Gospel Faith Put to the Test of believers is the place where we can Rationing must be the last option. The In this scenario, particular attention come to terms with the tragic mystery search for treatments that are equiva- should be paid to those who are most of death, fear of which is part of all our lent to the extent possible, the sharing fragile, and we are thinking especially stories today. In the cross of Christ, it of resources and the transfer of patients of the elderly and people with special becomes possible to think of human are alternatives that must be carefully needs. All other things being equal, the existence as a great passage: The shell of considered within a framework of jus- lethality of an epidemic varies in relation our existence is like a chrysalis waiting tice. Under adverse conditions, creativ- to the situation of the affected countries for the liberation of the butterfly. The ity has also furnished solutions to spe- — and within each country — in terms whole of creation, says St. Paul, is living cific needs such as the use of the same of available resources, the quality and “the pains of childbirth.” ventilator for multiple patients. In any organization of the health care system, It is in this light that we must under- case, we must never abandon the sick living conditions of the population, stand the meaning of prayer. As an person, even when there are no more the ability to know and understand the intercession for everyone and for all treatments available: Palliative care, characteristics of the phenomenon and those who are in suffering — and Jesus pain management and personal accom- to interpret information. There will be has brought them as well into solidarity paniment are never to be omitted. more deaths where already in everyday with us — and as a moment in which to Even in terms of public health, the life people are not guaranteed simple learn from him the way to live suffering experience we are going through pres- basic health care. as an expression of trust in the Father. It ents us with a serious test, even if it is This last consideration, too, on the is this dialogue with God that becomes a one that can only be carried out in the greater negativity faced by the most font that enables us to trust men as well. future, in less troubled times. In ques- fragile, urges us to pay a great deal of From here we gain the inner strength to tion is the balance between a preventive attention to how we talk about God’s exercise all our responsibility and make approach and a therapeutic approach, action in this historical crisis. We cannot ourselves open to conversion, accord- between treatment of an individual and interpret the sufferings that humanity ing to what reality makes us understand the collective dimension (given the close is going through according to the crude how a more human coexistence is pos- correlation between health and person- scheme that establishes a correspon- sible in our world. We remember the al rights, and public health). These are dence between lèse-majesté against the words of the bishop of Bergamo, one of questions based on a deeper concern divine and a “sacred reprisal” undertak- the most affected cities in , Bishop about the goals that medicine can set en by God. Francesco Beschi: “Our prayers are not for itself, considering overall the role of The mere fact that in such a scenar- magic formulas. Faith in God does not health in social life with all its dimen- io the weakest would suffer, precisely magically solve our problems; rather it sions, such as education and care for the those for whom he cares the most and gives us an inner strength to exercise environment. One can glimpse the fruit- with whom he identifies (Mt 25:40- that commitment that one and all, in fulness of a global bioethical perspective 45) forestalls this possibility. Listening different ways, are called to live, espe- that takes into account the multiplic- to Scripture and the fulfillment of the cially those who are called to contain ity of interests at stake and the global promise that Jesus accomplishes shows and overcome this evil.” scope of problems that is greater than that being on the side of life, just as God Even someone who does not share an individualistic and reductive view of commands us, is made real through the profession of this faith can in any the issues of human life, health and care. gestures of humanity for “the other.” case draw from the witness of this uni- The risk of a global epidemic Gestures that, as we have seen, are not versal brotherhood insights that point requires, in the context of responsibility, lacking in these days. toward the best part of the human con- the introduction of global coordination Every form of solicitude, every dition. Humanity that, for the sake of in health care systems. Be aware that the expression of benevolence is a victory life as an unwaveringly common good, strength of the process is determined of the resurrected Jesus. Witness to does not abandon the field in which by the weakest link in terms of speed this is the responsibility of Christians. human beings love and toil togeth- of diagnosis, rapidity of reaction and Always and for everyone. At this junc- er, earns the gratitude of all and the proportionate containment measures, ture, for example, we cannot forget the respect of God. ■ adequate structures, systems for record other calamities that affect the most keeping and ability to share informa- fragile such as refugees and immigrants tion and data. It is necessary that the or those peoples who continue to be authorities who can deal with emergen- plagued by conflict, war and hunger. cies comprehensively, make decisions and orchestrate communications can Intercessory Prayer also be relied upon as reference points Where evangelical closeness meets to avoid the communication storms that a physical limit or hostile opposition,

origins 727 create will keep us safe; it is, as it says in wonderful to hear of the great numbers Apart but Not the poem, “the light from the lighthouse of people willing to volunteer, to offer that protects as it pushes away” (John their time and talents to help others. Alone: Hope and Ashbery). Men and women asking what they can do for each other. Strength in a Time Our Actions Matter for Each Other It is this other and not the self which We are, then, learning many things in lies at the heart of our Christian faith. of Crisis and Fear these days. We are learning about the We are, throughout our history, a peo- fragility of our lives. We are learning ple for others. In these days then, let us Bishop Farrell about the depth of our resolve. We are continue to remember the other. Let us learning about our profound communi- continue to remember those who are ty spirit and, in a real way, we are learn- poorest and weakest in our commu- “Let us show each other, that though we ing about how we need and depend on nities, their plight has not lessened in may be apart, we are not alone,” Bishop each other. these troubling days. Dermot Farrell of Ossory, Ireland, said in We have come to realize that our We remember our neighbors for a March 27 pastoral letter on the coro- true strength is our strength to carry the whom simple gestures might now mat- navirus pandemic. “Let each of us, then, weak, and our true dignity is our capac- ter, remember those who live alone and live for the other now, let us be a star, ity to value every person. Solidarity and who might at this time rejoice in a phone let Christ’s gentle light shine through global action are absolutely crucial to call, remember those afraid who might each of us; let us open the door of our bringing this pandemic under control. need reassurance and remember those world to God: volunteer, reach out, pray We are seeing the selfless dedication around us who might need reminding. for each other and care,” he added. The and the immense work of those on the coronavirus has killed tens of thousands front line. Prayer Is Hope in Action and caused almost the entire world to Of course, these women and men not Love is the life of the church. The church stay mostly indoors. The bishop of the only do this in times of great trial but lives to the extent that we love. Love Kilkenny-based diocese said of the pan- in ordinary days as well. We appreci- is the life of the church, and prayer is demic, “We are learning about the fragil- ate anew then the contribution of so the lifeblood of that life. As we pray, ity of our lives. We are learning about many — the nurses, doctors, paramed- we express not only our need but also the depth of our resolve. We are learning ics, care staff, clergy, Gardaí, fire person- our care. To pray for someone is to love about our profound community spirit nel and so many more. In the words of someone. To pray for our child, a parent, and, in a real way, we are learning about the French novelist Georges Bernanos, a neighbor, a friend is to express our love how we need and depend on each other.” “Grace is everywhere.” It is time for us to for that person. To pray is to love. Bishop Farrell noted that the diocese had support them and to encourage them. When we pray together — as couples, set up a system for people to email or text As St. Paul reminds us, we are always as families, as communities — our indi- their prayer intentions, which would be to encourage one another and build one vidual voices come together and unite remembered at the Sunday Mass on the another up (1 Thes 5:11). In doing this us as one to call on God. But our prayer radio. The bishop said, “We pray because for the other we are collectively stronger. is not only our prayer; our prayer is also we place our deepest hope in a goodness We see the importance of media, local our response to God’s promptings, to and in a power that transcends our own and national — print, radio and TV — our trust in his hope, our faith in the capabilities. Prayer is hope in action.” in conveying for us important lifesav- Lord’s abiding presence. Life teaches us Bishop Farrell’s pastoral follows. ing messages. “All serious and upright how we depend on each other; our faith human conduct is hope in action” shows us how we depend on God. Pope “How will people know that you (Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, 35). Francis reminds us of the true power of are my disciples? By your love for one We are learning, too, of the fragile our prayer, “Prayer always changes reali- another” (Jn 13:35). nature of our economy and of how busi- ty. … It either changes things or changes We are now living in an Ireland that nesses and those who work in them can our hearts, but it always changes” (Jan. we could not have imagined a few short suffer. We are learning that our big world 9, 2019, audience). days ago. In a very short period of time is, in fact, quite small, and that small My sisters and brothers, let us all pray the ways we move, interact and live actions and simple things are truly life- anew in these difficult and frightening with each other have radically changed. saving. Ultimately and importantly, we times. Real prayer comes from the heart; Suddenly, we are conscious of our envi- are learning — and learning in new ways real prayer comes from real life. So let us ronment in a way that a few days ago — that our actions matter for each other. pray as we can. Pray in your own words, we were not. The safety of each one depends on the pray in the words of others, pray in the Our language also reflects this seis- safety of all. Safety knows no favorites. words of the Mass, pray in silence. mic shift, with words and phrases find- We are heartened, then, to see the As our country and our world are ing for us new combinations and a actions of those who have stepped up, convulsed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting new meaning: Social is now those on the front line but also those we know that our lives spill over into about distancing — and our standing who in recent days have responded to others, for better or for worse, and we together means, in a real way, that we the call to help — we love with actions remain, in these times, united by prayer. must stand apart. But the space we thus and not mere words (1 Jn 3:18). It is So often when we gather to pray togeth-

728 origins er we do so for a specific purpose, inten- The Lights and Light of Hope and be renewed in closeness to God,” he tion, occasion or anniversary. In these In these dark days, I have been helped added. The coronavirus has killed tens of extraordinary times, when we cannot by an image used by Pope Benedict XVI: thousands and caused almost the entire gather as a faith community to celebrate He writes that life is a journey, “a voyage world to stay mostly indoors. Bishop the , our diocesan adult faith on the sea of history, often dark and Biegler said that this time “we must development group has arranged that stormy, a voyage in which we watch for resist the temptation to give in to fear.” we can continue this basic togetherness the stars that indicate the route” (Spe He noted that “Pope Francis encourages of our Christian prayer life. Salvi, 49). In the night, it was the stars gestures of ‘closeness.’ That is a way of I invite you, then, to email prayer@ that guided the seafarer. “Certainly,” the describing solidarity. We will be close ossory.ie or text 085-8313100 any prayer pope continues, “Jesus Christ is the true to people if we see them as family, as intention that you may have in these light, the sun that has risen above all brothers and sisters.” He gave some prac- days. These, then, will be remembered the shadows of history. But to reach him tical suggestions for showing solidarity: when we come together to celebrate we also need lights close by — people telling others you are praying for them, Mass on the radio each Sunday morn- who shine with his light and so guide us dropping off a meal for someone who ing. A real coming together of our prayer. along our way” (ibid.). needs it and donating your stimulus We pray because we place our deepest Let each of us, then, live for the other check if you can afford it. Bishop Biegler hope in a goodness and in a power that now, let us be a star, let Christ’s gentle also called people to “see how Jesus’ Spirit transcends our own capabilities. Prayer light shine through each of us; let us has inspired the workers in supermar- is hope in action. open the door of our world to God: vol- kets to serve others. See how the Holy unteer, reach out, pray for each other Spirit empowers health care workers to Faith the Wellspring of Hope and care. Let us show each other that help and even risk their lives.” Bishop The Bible is filled with stories of how though we may be apart we are not Biegler’s blog post follows. women and men found in God a well- alone: “Your love for one another will spring of hope. Their trust in God and show to the world that you are my dis- How do we put into words what we their confidence in him — in other ciples” (Jn 13:35). are experiencing in these days? The words their faith — became their well- We are stronger when we are togeth- number of confirmed cases of COVID- spring of hope. Out of this hope they er, and though apart in these days, we 19 continues to rise across the nation were able to transform the present. are with each other now in a new way. and world despite limited testing. “Faith draws the future into the pres- May Christ, the one who lived most for Medical personnel are anticipating how ent” (Spe Salvi, 7) so that our future is the other, support us in that task. Let us to manage a huge influx of patients. not just something down the line. As the pray with St. Augustine: Some hospitals are making agonizing light before the dawn permits us to see, decisions about how to triage patients so our faith and its hope permit us to Watch, O Lord, with those who wake or choose who gets a ventilator. The live in new ways. this night economic consequences are dramatic. The news about this fast-moving or watch, or weep; Business owners realize that they may virus is frightening and depressing. In give your angels and saints not be able to stay afloat. Last week 3.3 this hour of great need, the real hope charge over those who sleep. million people filed for unemployment. our faith gives us calls us to a new sense Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ, I am not trying to paint a pessimis- of ourselves — to see ourselves as a rest your weary ones, tic picture so that you might give up community sharing hope out of which bless your dying ones, or become fearful. We must resist the we live. This may seem farfetched, but soothe your suffering ones, temptation to give in to fear. At the same that is exactly what we are called to be: pity your afflicted ones time, it is important to maintain a real- people of hope. “We need the greater shield your joyous ones. istic view of the situation at hand. Being and lesser hopes that keep us going day And all for your love’s sake. realistic helps us to maintain a balanced by day. But these are not enough with- Amen ■ perspective. out the great hope, which must surpass Some people are refusing to look at everything else. This great hope can only the long-term consequences. They con- be God, who encompasses the whole of tinue to gather and socialize as if noth- reality and who can bestow on us what Closeness in the ing has changed. So they are increasing we, by ourselves, cannot attain” (Spe the risk of transmission of coronavirus Salvi, 31). Spirit for everyone else. Every one of us can Our God is a God of hope (see Rom be a carrier to others who are more 15:13). Trusting in God calls us to action. Bishop Biegler vulnerable. I urge you to practice soli- Hope gives us the strength to overcome darity by thinking of the least in our selfishness and indifference. Indeed midst — especially the elderly and those hope that does not matter to one per- “In these days of social distancing, first with compromised health conditions. sonally is not true hope. True hope of all, stay close to God,” Bishop Steven Our actions affect everyone around us. always calls attention not only to life Biegler of Cheyenne, Wyoming, said in a We are co-responsible for the common after death but also to what is essential March 28 blog post on the coronavirus good of society. to life on earth. pandemic. “It is a time to lean on God Others are on the opposite end of

origins 729 the spectrum. They spend their time Ezekiel? How can we be a voice of hope , we ought to be more hopeful watching the news, and their minds to the elderly who are isolated, to the than Ezekiel and more trusting than the are saturated by it. For them the danger sick, to those working in health care, to psalmist. St. Paul said to the Romans, is to be totally consumed by the pan- those with a devastated business or to “The Spirit of the one who raised Jesus demic and its economic consequences. the jobless? from the dead dwells in you” (Rom Overconsumption of the news is also not This week a reporter asked Pope 8:11). The Spirit who raised Jesus dwells living in reality. It can block out the real- Francis what he would tell men, women in us. The Holy Spirit gives us Jesus’ per- ity of God’s presence. We can become and families who live in fear due to the severance in suffering, inspires us with myopic, focused only on COVID-19 and pandemic, the pope replied: “The last his selfless love and sacrifice, and fills us blind to how the Lord is present in this thing I would do is tell them something. with enduring hope. moment. ... What I try to do is make them feel that At baptism, the Spirit flooded our Limit your news consumption while I am close to them. Today the language hearts; it was strengthened in confirma- taking time to read the daily Scriptures. of gestures is more important than tion. In these days of being deprived of In the desert one does not live on bread words. Of course, something should the Eucharist, the grace of baptism and alone but on every word that comes be said, but it is the gesture of sending confirmation is as strong as ever. Live from the mouth of God. Reading the them a ‘greeting’ that is most impor- your baptismal grace. Let it guide your Scriptures is one of the best ways to tant,” he said. prayer and your love of neighbor. keep a sane perspective. Pope Francis encourages gestures of We have received the gift that the In God’s providence, the readings “closeness.” That is a way of describing Lord promised through the prophet for this Sunday offer a hopeful mes- solidarity. We will be close to people if Ezekiel. “O my people, I will put my sage for those experiencing destruc- we see them as family, as brothers and spirit in you that you may live ... thus tion and death. As Ezekiel wrote the sisters. In a time of “social distancing,” you shall know that I am the Lord. I have first reading, he was living in exile in here are a few ways to express closeness. promised, and I will do it, says the Lord” Babylon. The Babylonian army had —Tell others that you are praying for (Ez 37:14). We need to bring to people a destroyed Jerusalem. They captured the them. “closeness” filled with the Spirit of the Jewish king Zedekiah and his sons, who —Call those who are most isolated or one who raised Jesus from the dead. were executed in front of their father deliver a meal to their doorstep. In these days of social distancing, Zedekiah. Then they blinded him and —If you are doing OK financially, first of all, stay close to God. The desert took him to Babylon with other prison- then donate your check from the fed- is first of all a special place to be with ers. eral government to a needy family or to God. It is a time to lean on God and be Imagine how the people of Israel felt! entities that are helping others. renewed in closeness to God. The daily They had lost hope. In fact, immediately In addition, we can express closeness Scriptures are a treasure. Let them feed before today’s first reading, the prophet by being a voice of hope. We need to be your heart with hope. But don’t stop Ezekiel wrote: “The people keep saying: close to people with assurance that God there, then find ways to express close- ‘Our bones are dried up; our hope is is with us. The prophet Ezekiel went into ness to others. lost; we are done for’” (Ez 37:11). exile in Babylon together with the rest “The Spirit of the one who raised They had every reason to give up of Israel. He suffered just like them, but Jesus from the dead dwells in you.” hope. The city of Jerusalem had been he fed them with God’s word. He was See how Jesus’ Spirit has inspired the surrounded and under siege for two beside them with steadfast faith. He was workers in supermarkets to serve oth- and a half years. Finally, the city and the a voice of hope because he kept his rela- ers. See how the Holy Spirit empowers temple were destroyed. Then the people tionship with God intact. health care workers to help and even were deported to Babylon, where they In fact, we need to help people see risk their lives. God is using this time lived in exile for 49 years. They doubted that God is using this moment in a to deepen our closeness and compas- that God was with them. They doubted powerful way. The coronavirus is a stark sion. In prayer, ask the Lord for how you God’s promise to save them. reminder of the weakness of human might be close and compassionate as Yet Ezekiel painted a future of amaz- flesh. Our lives are so fragile. Sometimes your heavenly Father is close and com- ing hope. Through him, God said to the we forget that. Yet our frailty actually passionate. ■ people: “O my people, I will open your opens us to God’s power. It puts us in graves and have you rise from them, touch with our need for God. and bring you back to the land of Israel. Aware of human frailty, the psalmist Then you shall know that I am the Lord, teaches us how to cry out to the Lord when I open your graves and have with faith. Psalm 130 states, “Out of the you rise from them, O my people!” (Ez depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear 37:12-13). my voice!” Yet the psalm ends with the How could Ezekiel be so upbeat and hope that “all shall be well.” “For with hopeful? He didn’t merely focus on the the Lord there is kindness and with destruction all around him. Instead, he him plenteous redemption; and he will maintained a balanced perspective by redeem Israel from all their iniquities” listening to God’s voice. How can we (Ps 130:8). All shall be well. be hopeful prophets in our day like As people who are gifted with the

730 origins executive overview and major findings munities included some that are public National Religious follows. It was written by Mary L. Gautier associations of the faithful that are in the and Lovers of the Holy Cross Sister Thu T. process of seeking canonical status as a Vocation Do, senior research associate and research religious institute or society of apostolic associate, respectively, at CARA. life. Conference Throughout the report, the term reli- This report presents findings from a gious institute is used for religious insti- Study on Recent study of recent vocations to religious life tutes, societies of apostolic life and pub- in the United States that was conducted lic associations of the faithful that are Vocations to by the Center for Applied Research in seeking canonical status as a religious the Apostolate for the National Religious institute or society of apostolic life. Religious Life: Vocation Conference. The study is based CARA mailed surveys to a total of 755 on surveys of religious institutes as well governance units in spring 2019 and then Executive Summary as surveys and focus groups with recent conducted extensive follow-up by email, vocations to religious life. The study was telephone and fax throughout spring Mary L. Gautier and designed to replicate and extend similar and summer 2019 to achieve a high research conducted by NRVC and CARA response rate. Three religious superiors Sister Thu T. Do, LHC in 2009, so as to identify and understand reported that the study did not apply to the characteristics, attitudes and experi- them because they are not part of a U.S. The National Religious Vocation ences of the men and women who have institute and all of their formation takes Conference released a new study on entered religious life in recent years. place outside the United States. Another religious vocations March 25 that was The study is based on three major 19 religious superiors declined to partici- designed as a follow-up to its 2009 study research components: pate but did not give a reason. (Origins 39:12) to “identify and under- —A single-informant survey of reli- Altogether, CARA received completed stand the characteristics, attitudes and gious institutes and societies of apostolic responses from 503 religious institutes experiences of the men and women who life. for a response rate of 67%. A close exami- have entered religious life in recent years.” —A survey of those who entered reli- nation of the lists and the nonrespon- Conducted by the Center for Applied gious life within the last 15 years and dents revealed that some of the congre- Research in the Apostolate, the study had remain members. gations and provinces on the original three phases: a single-informant sur- —Focus groups with those who lists had merged or were in the process vey of religious institutes and societies entered religious life within the last 15 of merging with others during the course of apostolic life; a survey of individuals years and remain. of the research. A few other entities on who entered religious life in the last 15 For the first phase of the study, CARA the lists are neither provinces nor con- years and remain members; and 13 focus surveyed religious institutes and societ- gregations but regions or houses that do groups with individuals who entered reli- ies of apostolic life. Using mailing lists not have formation/incorporation in the gious life in the last 15 years and are still provided by the Conference of Major United States and should not have been members. The study reports that “there Superiors of Men, the Council of Major included in the survey. Still others, par- are still a significant number of men and Superiors of Women Religious and the ticularly among the contemplative mon- women who are responding to a call to Leadership Conference of Women asteries and the emerging communities, religious life and are hopeful about its Religious, CARA sent a questionnaire to had apparently ceased to exist.1 future.” It says that although the num- each major superior with a cover letter CARA estimates that the total number ber of young people entering religious life from Sister Deborah Marie Borneman, of governance units (i.e., congregations, today is not significantly larger than it SS.C.M., NRVC director of mission inte- provinces, monasteries) in the United was in 2009, they are younger and more gration, and a return envelope addressed States is approximately 750. The 503 diverse. A fourth were born outside the to CARA. The cover letter and survey units that responded account for 42,586 U.S., and 73% attended a Catholic school included instructions to respond only men and women religious, or well over at some point. They say they were drawn for the governance unit (e.g., congrega- 70% of all women and men religious in to religious life primarily by a sense of tion or province) for which the superior the United States. Many of the gover- call and a desire for prayer and spiritual was responsible and, for international nance units that did not respond appear growth as well as desire to be of service institutes or societies, to respond only to be either small, mostly contemplative and be part of a community. Personal pri- for members who entered and are based communities that may not have had any- vate prayer is very important to them and in the United States. one in initial formation for some time eucharistic adoration “very” important. CARA also sent questionnaires and or those who are still in the process of They “are more optimistic than the supe- cover letters to superiors of monaster- becoming institutes of consecrated life. riors in their hopes for the future, perhaps ies of contemplative nuns (who do not This initial survey was designed to because they recognize their own agency belong to either LCWR or CMSWR) as gather statistics about the membership in creating a future for their institute.” well as to superiors of new or emerging in the institute, including the numbers in To read the full study, visit https://nrvc. communities of consecrated life using initial formation or incorporation; basic net/509/publication/9180-2020-study- mailing lists that CARA compiled for pre- information about vocation promotion on-recentvocations-to-religious-life. The vious research. The list of emerging com- and formation in the institute; and basic

origins 731 data about the institute’s ministry, com- Participants were selected from among of men and women in initial formation munity life and community prayer. the survey respondents who indicated is not significantly different from that The second phase of the research that they would be willing to participate reported in the 2009 study. Superiors consisted of a survey of “new members,” in a focus group and included women report a total of 1,085 women in initial that is, current candidates/postulants, and men, ordained and nonordained, formation (a decline of 10% from 2009) novices and those in temporary vows or contemplative and active, and professed and 1,386 men in initial formation (a commitment as well as those who had members as well as those in formation. decline of less than 1% from 2009). professed final vows or commitment The focus groups explored issues —Sixty percent of responding insti- within the last 15 years. similar to those examined in the survey. tutes have at least one person in initial In spring and summer 2019, the Specifically, they were designed to gath- formation. Having someone in forma- questionnaire was sent to 3,318 identi- er insights from newer members about tion and having more than one or two in fied new members and those in forma- what attracts, sustains and challenges formation is more common in institutes tion (emailed to 2,804 and mailed to 514 them in religious life. The discussions of men than in institutes of women. For who had no email address, with a return were also directed toward understand- those who entered and then departed envelope addressed to CARA). Both mail- ing the attitudes and experiences of new from religious life since 2003, the most ings included a cover letter from Sister members and especially toward identify- common time to do so was during can- Deborah Marie Borneman, SS.C.M. ing “best practices” for vocation and for- didacy/postulancy, which is part of the A total of 55 email addresses were mation ministry that would assist men discernment and formation process and returned as undeliverable. Another 35 and women in discerning and respond- consistent with 2009 departure rates. invitees responded via email that they ing to a call to religious life. —Eighty-seven percent of men and were not willing to participate and women in perpetual vows are over age another 50 responded via email that the MAJOR FINDINGS 60, a statistic that is unchanged since study did not apply to them since they I: Findings from the Survey of 2009, which suggests that the influx of had entered religious life before 2003 Religious Institutes newer members has helped to offset the (mostly transfers from another religious Religious Life Today drastic decline that was anticipated as institute within the last 15 years). —The study identified at least 2,471 men the unusually high number of members Approximately 100 completed sur- and women in initial formation and who entered during the first half of the veys were unusable because the par- about 1,000 more who had professed last century age out. ticipants reported entering religious life perpetual vows within the previous 15 —Almost half of those in initial for- before 2003. When all these are removed years. The actual number of new mem- mation are under age 30, an increase from the sample, CARA received a total bers is likely even higher, given that at from the 43% who were under age 30 in of 1,933 usable responses from new least a third of U.S. religious institutes 2009. Nearly three-fourths of those in ini- members and those in formation for a did not respond to the survey and/or did tial formation are part of the millennial response rate of at least 63%. not provide information about members generation (born in the 1980s or 1990s) The survey of new members was who had professed final vows since 2003. and another 6%, born in 2000 or later, designed to identify what attracted these The findings from the surveys, and espe- could be considered part of the emerging candidates and new members to reli- cially those from the focus groups with next generation of young adults. gious life and to their particular religious new members, confirm that there are still —Those in initial formation are more institute or society; what they found significant numbers of men and women diverse, ethnically and racially, than helpful in their discernment process; who are responding to a call to religious those in perpetual vows, as was the case what their attitudes and preferences are life and are hopeful about its future. in 2009. However, those in perpetual regarding community life, prayer and —Since 2003, over 80% of respond- vows have increased in diversity by seven ministry; and what sustains and chal- ing religious institutes have had at least percentage points since 2009. lenges them in religious life. The survey one serious discerner, and nearly 90% —Sixty-seven percent of U.S. religious also asked about their background char- continue to accept new members and institutes claim that the majority of their acteristics as well as their experiences promote religious vocations. perpetually professed members are before entering religious life. In addition, —The expected demographic shift located in the Northeast and Midwest. the survey included a question asking the in total numbers of religious continues, respondent if he or she would be willing due to the unusually large number of Vocation Promotion and Discernment to participate in a focus group. entrants in the first half of the last centu- Programs The final phase of the research, which ry. The study reports 11,780 men (a 15% —Seventy-seven percent of respond- included focus groups with new mem- decrease from 2009) and 30,806 women ing religious institutes report that they bers, was conducted during fall 2019. (a 36% decrease from a decade ago). have one or more vocation directors or a CARA conducted 13 focus groups with —The total number of religious insti- vocation team, down from 88% in 2009. new members in Baltimore, Chicago, tutes and societies of apostolic life (i.e., Ninety-four percent of vocation direc- Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, congregations, provinces, monasteries) tors/teams meet with leadership at least Philadelphia, San Antonio and St. Louis. in the United States is approximately 750. annually. These sites were selected because of Fifty percent have less than 50 members. —The average annual budget for the relatively large concentration of —Indicating that new membership the vocation director/team (exclud- new members in each of these areas. has remained fairly steady, the number ing salaries) is $34,039. However, half of

732 origins responding institutes report an annual celebrating holidays/feast days together tant ways that religious institutes sup- budget of $14,600 or less for their voca- as “very” important. port newer members in their vocation tion director/team and some 4% of insti- —Personal private prayer character- is through listening and dialogue along tutes declare that there is no budget for izes the regular prayer life of a majority the journey. Many superiors mentioned the vocation director/team. of active members in almost all respond- this as a way they support their newer —Institutes of men are more likely ing institutes (95%), followed closely by members. than institutes of women to indicate daily Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours, that vocations is a topic on all or most of reported by nearly 9 in 10 responding II: Findings From the Survey and the institute’s leadership meetings (41% institutes. Focus Groups compared to 23%). Characteristics of New Members —Religious institutes are sponsoring Concerns of Superiors for New Members —Respondents to the survey of new fewer discernment programs than they —Major superiors are most concerned members are nearly equally divided by did a decade ago, but “come and see” about strengthening peer support gender; 51% are women and 49% are experiences continue to be the most among new members. They also express men. Close to half are in their 30s, com- common program, offered by 60% of concern about the gap in age among pared to just over a quarter who were in responding institutes. institute members and the health care this age range in 2009. About 30% are —The most common vocation pro- and cultural challenges older members ages 19-29, compared to just 16% who motion approach among responding pose for younger members. were in this range in 2009. Seven in 10 institutes (78%) is vocation information —Major superiors raise many con- had considered religious life by the time on the institute’s website or a distinct cerns about the effectiveness of their they were 21. The average age of entrance website for vocations. Vocation promo- formation process and the catechesis of is 28 for men and 29 for women. This is tion and discernment programs are most their new members. Some express con- a little younger than the average age of typically targeted toward young adults cern that new members may not have entrance in 2009, which was 30 for men and college-age students. the level of commitment necessary to and 32 for women. persevere in religious life or the neces- —Compared to finally professed Interaction With Others in Formation sary support to sustain them in their members, those in initial formation are —Two in three responding institutes vocation. more likely to come from diverse cul- report that their candidates/postulants —Community life is another seri- tural backgrounds: 11% are Hispanic/ interact with candidates/postulants ous concern for major superiors. They Latino(a), 13% are Asian/Pacific Islander, from other units of their institute, society hope that the new members will see the 3% are African American/African/black or federation, and just over three-fifths value of living in a community even if and 3% are of mixed race or ethnic- have them interacting with candidates/ they must do so across communities and ity. About 70% are Caucasian/European postulants from other institutes or soci- cultures. American/Anglo/white, compared to eties. This increase in cross- and inter- about 87% of perpetually professed congregational initial formation repre- Support from Major Superiors for New members. sents a change in formation practices in Members —One-quarter of those in initial for- the past century. —Superiors recognize that the best way mation were born outside the United —Almost three in five indicate that to nurture a vocation is to ensure that it is States, and a third have at least one par- their novices interact in an intercommu- strengthened by a solid formation expe- ent who was born outside the United nity novitiate with novices from other rience. Many hold regular meetings with States. Among those who were born in units of their institute, society or federa- the formation director and individually the United States, six in 10 grew up in the tion, and more than half send their nov- with those in formation. Many also pro- Northeast or the Midwest regions. Three ices to an intercommunity novitiate with vide a mentor for those in formation. in 4 speak English as their first language novices from other institutes or societies. —Another way that religious institutes and 4 in 10 speak at least two languages —Nearly 40% of respondents indicate support their newer members is through fluently. that their institute offers a formation deliberate engagement of the wider reli- —About 9 in 10 were raised Catholic experience for U.S. members in initial gious community in the accompaniment and most (73%) attended a Catholic formation that takes place outside the and formation process. This helps newer school for at least part of their educa- United States. Men’s institutes are more members, especially those who may be tion. About half attended parish-based likely than women’s institutes to offer the sole new member in their unit, to religious education and 10% were home- such a program. establish the support of peers in forma- schooled for at least part of their educa- tion. This inclusion in the wider com- tion. Almost half (49%) earned a bach- Community Life and Prayer munity also helps newer members to feel elor’s degree, 17% a master’s and 4% a —Among the various factors related to that they have a voice and a place in the doctoral degree before they entered their healthy and holy community life, insti- community. religious institute. tute leaders in 2019, similar to those in —Prayer and spiritual direction are —At least 8 in 10 were employed 2009, rated communal prayer and shared a vital part of formation in religious life. before they entered, usually in a full-time experiences with other community These tools are also essential to the sup- position. Slightly more than half were members most highly. More than 8 in port of newer members in their vocation. engaged in ministry, about a quarter on 10 rate praying with other members and —Perhaps one of the most impor- a full-time basis, one-sixth on a part-time

origins 733 basis and about three-fifths on a volun- know anyone in religious life before they outside the institute and people in the teer basis. Many were also involved in sensed a call to religious life. Many found parish were also a significant source various parish ministries and/or other out or learned more about their insti- of support. Men were more likely than volunteer work. tute online. Men and women are equally women to report receiving “very much” —Among the male respondents, 80% likely to have had religious life formally encouragement from their parents and are or expect to become priests and 20% presented, either in class or in campus grandparents. are or expect to become brothers. ministry, as an option for them to con- sider while they were in college (nearly Prayer and Spirituality Attraction to Religious Life and a 4 in 10). Millennials are also much more —Many new members identify personal Particular Religious Institute likely than older generations to have private prayer as one of the aspects of reli- —New members are drawn to religious an experience such as this while they gious life that is most important to them life primarily by a sense of call and a were in college. Direct experience with and that most sustains them now. When desire for prayer and spiritual growth. the institute and its members through asked about the importance of various Most respondents report that they were “come and see” experiences, discern- types of communal prayer, respondents attracted “very much” by a desire for a ment retreats and other opportunities to are most likely to name daily Eucharist deeper relationship with God (86%), a spend time with members are especially and Liturgy of the Hours as the prayer sense of call to religious life (79%) and important for this age group. types that are most important to them. a desire for prayer and spiritual growth —When asked how much various fac- New members in 2019 are more likely (77%). To only a slightly lesser degree, tors influenced their decision to enter than those in 2009 to report that exposi- most new members also say they were their religious institute, respondents tion of the Blessed Sacrament/eucharis- attracted to religious life by a desire to were most likely to name the charism tic adoration is “very” important to them be of service and a desire to be part of a and community life of their institute as (66% compared to 50% in 2009). community. Women are more likely than the factors that influenced them “very —Millennial generation respon- men to say they were attracted by a sense much.” Women are more likely than men dents are much more likely than other of call, a desire for prayer and spiritual to be “very much” influenced by prayer respondents — especially those from the growth, and by a desire for a deeper rela- life or prayer styles, community life, the Vatican II generation — to say that daily tionship with God. Men are more likely way the vows are lived in the institute Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, eucha- than women to say they were attracted and the living of the Gospel values. Men ristic adoration and other devotional by a desire to be of service and by a desire are more influenced by the future of the prayers are “very” important to them. to be part of a community. institute, its geographic location and its Compared to younger respondents, older —Newer members were attracted ministries. respondents place greater importance to their particular religious institute by on faith sharing and, to a lesser degree, its spirituality, charism, prayer life, mis- Encouragement, Support in on prayer using an app/online resources sion and community life of the institute. Discernment, in Religious Life and ecumenical interfaith prayer such Although the ministries of the institute —During their initial discernment, most as Taizé. are also important to most new mem- new members report that they received a bers, they are less important than spiri- great deal of encouragement from insti- Community Life and Ministry tuality, prayer, community and lifestyle. tute members, their vocation director or Setting Preferences Millennial respondents are more likely team, and their spiritual director. Most —As in 2009, praying together, liv- than older generations to be “very much” also report high levels of encouragement ing together and sharing meals with attracted by the example of the members from those to whom and with whom other members are particularly impor- and the community life of the institute. they minister. Although many new mem- tant aspects of community life to most They are least likely to be “very much” bers did not experience a great deal of newer members of religious institutes. attracted by the life and works of the encouragement from parents, siblings Women are more likely than men to rate founder/ess. and other family members when they doing things together with other mem- —Newer members in religious life were first considering a vocation to reli- bers as “very” important to them, which first became acquainted with their reli- gious life, 70 percent report that support includes praying with other members, gious institutes in many different ways. from their family increased after they socializing/sharing leisure time togeth- The most common experience was in an entered religious life. er and celebrating holidays/feast days institution such as a school where the —Compared to older new members, together. Women are also more likely members served (37%). Men are more younger new members are more likely than men to report that ongoing forma- likely than women to report that they to report that they were encouraged by tion and lifelong education are “very” first encountered their religious institute institute members, their vocation direc- important to them. in a school or other institution where the tor or team, parents, family members —Repeating a pattern of enthusiasm members served. Women are more likely and diocesan priests when they were first indicated throughout the study, millen- than men to indicate that they learned considering religious life. They are also nial generation respondents, in particu- about their institute through a presenta- more likely to report receiving encour- lar, are more likely than older respon- tion at a school/parish/youth ministry agement from diocesan priests in their dents to report that living, ministering, event. life and ministry now. sharing meals and socializing with other —Some younger members did not —Seven in 10 report that friends members are “very” important to them.

734 origins —When asked about various living —Newer members are also concerned these institutes. They express hope for arrangements, most new members pre- about the changing demographics of renewal of religious life in general and fer to live in a large (eight or more) or aging members and fewer vocations to of their religious institute in particular. medium-sized (four to seven) communi- replace them. They also worry about the Newer members realize that more delib- ty, living with members of different ages necessity to restructure the institute and erate efforts at networking and collabo- at or near their ministry site. Younger the effect of restructuring on younger ration can help them and their institutes respondents express even stronger pref- members. to extend their ministry. erences for living with members of their —Closely related to concerns about —Newer members recognize that the institute in large community settings and smaller congregations, many newer recent past has been turbulent and dif- for living with other members close to members also express concerns about ficult for religious institutes. They sense them in age. finding balance in their lives. They worry that many institutes have been strug- about overwork and burnout. Some also gling just to survive in light of smaller Evaluation of Religious Institutes express concerns about stresses related numbers and increased workload shared —New members give their religious to being called into positions of leader- among an increasingly aged member- institutes the highest ratings on their ship for which they do not feel adequate- ship. Their hope for the next 10 years is care and support of the elderly members ly prepared. for an increase in clarity of mission and and are positive overall about the qual- —Many newer members express identity as renewed institutes reemerge ity of life in their religious institute. The concerns related to being able to live from consolidation and restructuring. younger a respondent is, the more likely an authentic community life. As newer —Newer members eagerly anticipate that he or she rates the following aspects members, they sometimes struggle with the evolution of religious life in the next as “excellent”: the efforts to promote challenges related to living in commu- 10 years. They look forward to increased vocations, the initial formation/incorpo- nity. Others are concerned with the chal- collaboration across generations. They ration programs and lifelong educational lenges of intergenerational living. While also recognize the increased cultural opportunities. some institutes struggle with concerns diversity of the in the —Overall, women tend to be more of aging membership and institutes United States, and they look forward to positive than men in their evaluation of decreasing in size, others are concerned ensuring that religious life reflects that various aspects of life in their religious about growth in their institute and the diversity. institutes. The largest gap (more than 30 ability to maintain a strong sense of com- —Newer members recognize the percent) in an “excellent” rating between munity. Loneliness is another concern need for additional formation in leader- women and men is in their assessment expressed by newer members, which is ship so that they are prepared to assume of communal prayer and fidelity to the related to their concern for authentic leadership in their institutes and in the church within their institutes. community life. church. They are eager to move beyond —A number of newer members diminishment and to expand the mis- Concerns for Their Future in Religious Life express concerns related to adapting sion of their institute into new avenues —When asked to share their thoughts to rapid changes in society. Some are for ministry. At the same time, some about what most concerns them about concerned about their own ability to newer members feel drawn to return to their future in religious life, newer mem- adapt, while others are more concerned the roots of their institute and to restore bers expressed concerns similar to those about the ability of their institute and its a sense of its original charism. shared by institute leaders in the first members to adapt to social and cultural —Newer members desire members part of this report such as the gap in age changes. of all ages to be committed to living the between the senior members and the charism more vibrantly with a greater new members and worries about the Hopes for the Future effort to live in solidarity with the poor future of the institute as the communi- —Although cognizant of the challeng- and marginalized. Unlike previous gen- ties age and decrease in size. More than es and concerns expressed by major erations to religious life, they recognize 1 in 10 comments from newer members, superiors in the first part of this report, stewardship involves divesting of empty however, expressed a lack of concern newer members are more optimistic buildings, underutilized property and about their future in religious life, and than the superiors in their hopes for the sponsored institutions to live more more than a quarter expressed a concern future, perhaps because they recognize simply utilizing human and material related to personal fidelity to their com- their own agency in creating a future for resources to benefit the neediest. mitment to religious life. their institute. Focus-group participants —The most commonly expressed share the same awareness of the chal- Note 1 concern that newer members express lenges and optimism about the future Reconfiguration among religious institutes proved to be one of the most challenging issues for calculat- about their future in religious life is a of religious life. ing a response rate as well as for obtaining historical very personal concern — that they will —Newer members realize that they information about new membership. Responses to questions about reconfiguration in the survey have the faithfulness to persevere in this have entered religious institutes that are, revealed that 13% of the respondents were in the pro- life they have chosen. At least a quar- for the most part, characterized by small- cess of reconfiguring at the time the survey was con- ducted in 2019, and another 17% had reconfigured ter of respondents shared this concern, er congregations and an aging member- since 2003. Thus, the number of “institutes” changed ■ although a substantial number worded ship. They are realistic about this reality while the survey was being conducted. this sentiment more as a desire than a while at the same time optimistic about concern. the future and their role as members of

origins 735 Periodicals datebook U.S.Postage CNS documentary service PAID Washington DC Readers: Due to the coronavi- 3211 Fourth Street NE - Washington DC 20017 rus pandemic, most events are being canceled. The following events have either been can- celed or postponed.

April 16-18 Conference: “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition: Challenges and Opportunities for the Catholic University in the 21st University.” Sponsor: Sacred Heart On File University and Seton Hall University. Sacred Heart University. Fairfield, Conn. The Mexican bishops’ conference Act, also will help people with immedi- RESCHEDULED for Oct. 29-31 has urged employers to avoid laying ate relief who have been laid off and off workers as the coronavirus crisis will have difficulty in finding a new April 17-19 escalates in a country with an already job, the archbishop, chairman of the Conference: “Rise Up and Walk: Catholicism and Health Care Across stagnating economy and a weak social U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic the Globe.” Sponsor: Center for World safety net. In a March 30 statement, Justice and Human Development, said Catholicism and Intercultural Theology the bishops also called for solidarity, in a March 28 statement. Congress and the Health Services, Catholic Studies and Mission and Ministry Departments. saying, “We’re all in the same boat negotiated the relief measure as the DePaul University. Chicago, Ill. https:// and no one saves themselves,” and U.S. economy has ground to a halt las.depaul.edu/centers-and-institutes/ reminded the wealthy that their accu- in recent weeks as the new corona- center-for-world-catholicism-cultural- theology/World-Catholicism-Week/ mulated riches “must be at the service virus has swept through the country. Pages/default.aspx POSTPONED. of others. Brothers and sisters, we need Archbishop Coakley also pointed to each other. It’s time to join forces with other provisions of the CARES Act, May 3-5 brotherhood and solidarity, with the such as the $1,200 in cash assistance to National Association of Church Personnel Administrators Annual will to see the best in everyone,” said low- and middle-income people and Convocation. Theme: “Taking It to the the statement, signed by Archbishop aid to hospitals and charitable agen- Heights: Justice in the Workplace.” Rogelio Cabrera López of Monterrey, cies, “which will be asked to do more Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. Albuquerque, N.M. www.nacpa.org conference president, and Auxiliary than ever during this crisis.” CANCELED. Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola, secretary-general. “We urge all believ- Administering the sacrament of May 11-14 ers in Christ ... but especially Catholic reconciliation via cellphone is imper- National Association of Catholic missible under church teaching, said Chaplains. Partners for Professional businessmen and businesswomen Excellence in Spiritual Care. Cleveland, to be aware that, as members of the the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ohio. www.nacc.org CANCELED. divine family ... we are responsible to Committee on Divine Worship. In a our brothers and sisters.” God expects March 27 memo to his fellow bishops, *May 15 people “to take the path of truth, jus- Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, Academic Conference on the History of Catholicism in the American South tice, service, dedication (and) solidar- Connecticut, said Archbishop Arthur Commemorating the Bicentennial of the ity,” the statement continued. Roche, secretary of the Congregation Charleston, S.C., Diocese. CANCELED. for Divine Worship at the Vatican,

*May 17-21 Citing provisions of the $2.2 trillion informed the bishops that using a cell- Annual Convocation of the National federal relief package that will aid poor phone for the sacrament poses a threat Conference for Catechetical Leadership. and vulnerable people as well as work- against the seal of confession. Even the Dubuque, Iowa. https://nccl.org ers, small businesses and large corpo- use of a cellphone to help amplify the CANCELED. rations, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of voices of a confessor and penitent who *signifies new entry Oklahoma City thanked Congress and can see each other is not allowed, the President Donald Trump for putting memo said. Archbishop Blair also said the law in place. Expenditures man- in the memo that in regard to anoint- dated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief ing of the sick, the duty cannot be del- and Economic Security Act, or CARES egated to a doctor or nurse.

736 origins