INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGIOUS FORMATION
TANGAZA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA
Name: RAZAFINDRAMAHO HERIMAMY JEAN MICHELSON
No: 17/00020
TOPIC: THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE AS EXPERIENCED BY THE BROTHERS
OF ST JOHN OF GOD IN THE COMMUNITY OF SAINT BENEDICT MENNI
IN ANTANANARIVO MADAGASCAR
SUPERVISOR: BR TIMOTHY
NAIROBI 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDENT’S DECLARATION ...... 1
General introduction ...... 2
Background of study ...... 2
Statement of the problem: ...... 3
Scope and boundaries ...... 4
Difficulties in the community of St Benedict Menni ...... 5
Assumption/ Hypotheses ...... 6
Justification of the study ...... 6
Purpose and aims of the study ...... 7
Objectives:...... 7
Research questions ...... 7
Methodology ...... 7
Organization of the study ...... 8
Outline of the study ...... 8
CHAPTER ONE ...... 9
UNDERSTANDING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE ...... 9
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Introduction ...... 9
Definition of the Vow of Obedience ...... 9
Introduction on the Founder of Brothers of Saint John of God ...... 10
Church’s teachings on the Vow of Obedience...... 11
The constitution on the Vow of Obedience ...... 12
Conclusion ...... 14
CHAPTER TWO ...... 14
CHALLENGES FACING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE ...... 14
Introduction ...... 14
Conclusion ...... 16
CHAPTER THREE ...... 17
STRATEGIES OF EFFECTIVELY LIVING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE 17
Introduction ...... 17
Conclusion ...... 18
Recommendations ...... 18
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STUDENT’S DECLARATION
I, the undersigned, declare that this integration paper is my original work achieved through my personal reading, scientific research method and critical reflection and discernment. It is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a certificate in spirituality. This work has never been submitted to any other college or university for academic credit. All sources have been cited in full and acknowledged.
Signed………………………………………………………………………………
Name of the student: RAZAFINDRAMAHO HERIMAMY JEAN MICHELSON
Date…………………………………...... This
Integration paper has been submitted for examination with my approval as the college supervisor.
Signed……………………………………………………………………………
Name of the supervisor: REV. BR. TIMOTHY
Date………………………………………………………………………………
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General introduction
This study is an analysis of the Vow of Obedience among members of the community of St
Benedict Menni in Madagascar. It seeks to address the Vow of Obedience lived by the community
members of Saint Benedict. The study gives a statement of the problem, before giving the scope and delimitation of the study. After, it gives the causes of the problems, the assumption and the study hypotheses. Later, the justification of the study, the purpose and aims of the study, follow.
After that the study objectives and the research questions are given. This is followed by the study methodology as well as the organization and the outline of the study. Finally, a general conclusion is given.
Background of study
Obedience is one of the three evangelical counsels undertaken by the religious in the Catholic
Church.1 The other two vows are the vow of poverty and the vow of chastity. In some
congregations however, they have four vows. Among these we have the Jesuits who take the Vow
of Obedience to the Pope. Also in the Brothers of Saint John of God take the vow of hospitality;
this is the fourth vow.
The reason for choosing the Vow of Obedience is because it is easily misunderstood. For one adult
to obey another, it is not easy. Religious obedience does not involve the extinction of individual.
It is not unlimited obedience that is absolutely giving self to another. It is to avoid such
misunderstanding that the study has chosen to focus on the Vow of Obedience. Obedience in this
1< https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2016/03/06//> 2 2
study is the authority of hierarchical church which excludes the idea of arbitrary rule. It is done
according to rule of each party, the individual and the congregation other.2 Therefore obedience is
within the church and under an order’s rule
The second part of the background is on the community members of Saint Benedict Menni,
Antananarivo, Madagascar. This is a community of the Hospitaller Order of St John of God; also
called Brothers of St John of God. This Order was founded by St John of God in Spain, Granada.3
Presently we are in five continents among them Africa. Here in Africa the Order is found in the
following countries: Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, and
Liberia. In Madagascar the Order came in 2003. In this Island, there are two communities namely
St Benedict Menni and St John of God. The focus of study is on St Benedict Menni community
which has a total of seven members. The study shall seek to address how these members live the
Vow of Obedience.
Statement of the problem:
The Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God has members who are subject to the three evangelical
vows of chastity, obedience and poverty. These vows have been discussed at large in reference to
different congregations.4 In formation, members of St John of God are taught how to live these vows. At the end, during profession temporal and permanent the members undertake the vows.
Also the final professed members have ongoing formation programs focusing on living the vows.
In relation to these vows, with a focus on the Vow of Obedience, the brothers face some challenges.
Among these, is when they are meant to take orders from their superiors and also when the
2< http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11182a.htm > 3 Cf. Constitution of Saint John of God Brothers.
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superiors are to give these orders. At such moments questions arise, to what level should the obedience go and how much authority in making decisions does the superior have? These questions pose challenges that the study has not found in consulted literature.
This gap points to unclear implementation of the Vow of Obedience. This is seen in relation to postings where members react negatively after being deployed. Therefore measures need to be taken to allow for a positive growth of the relationship between members and their superiors.
In addition to the above, questions arise on what the differences are between blind and mature obedience. It is therefore important to study these vows, and understand them well. Based on this the study is important. It is to underline the importance of the Vow of Obedience through each member to minimize and to positively deal with this vow.
Scope and boundaries
The scope of this study is on a Catholic institution of the Religious of St John of God. The study shall dwell on the Vow of Obedience and not go to other vows; these will only be seen briefly in relation to obedience. St Benedict has a total of seven members living the Vow of Obedience. All the members therefore shall be subjected to the study. This study shall generate findings from
Community of St Benedict Menni. This is with a view that the findings can be replicated in other communities.
The study delimits itself to members of St John of God. These are male religious specifically two
French nationals and five Malagasy. Their ages range from 30 to 65years. The involvement of the different nationalities and age variation shall help to enrich the study.
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St Benedict Menni is in the Madagascar Island in Africa. This Island has three ethics communities namely Betsileo, Antandroy, Sakalava. These communities also speak Malagasy, the national local language in addition to their local languages. However in the community the language spoken is only French.
Difficulties in the community of St Benedict Menni
There are problems that affect the community. Among these in the study, there is the issue of free time and the challenge of having excessive money. On the part of free time, one may come across brothers who at times do not know what to do during their free time. Some lack plans to engage themselves positively. Free time turned to idle time is open to misuse and one may find themselves pulled towards negative issues such as too much time spent on unproductive internet. The superiors are called upon to get further engagement for the brothers and also for the brothers to seek positive engagement. With this, it is important that there is trust and obedience to the superiors. This will allow the brothers to be guided on their spending of time.
Having excessive money is a challenge among brothers. When one has money and it is not well utilized, there is a tendency that the congregation resources are wasted. When such brothers are engaged in social matters that utilize the money in a way that is not authorized by the congregation, challenges of misuse emerge. The superiors are called upon to understand clearly what happens with the excess money and through their positions get the brothers to be guided. With this position, if it is not well checked, over time, disobedience may creep in interfering with the smooth running of the congregation.
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These two difficulties among others need to be checked. They both are linked to the Vow of
Obedience in that the brothers are meant to listen to the leadership of their superiors. Superiors on their part need to win trust so that the obedience is not blind but rather explained.
Assumption/ Hypotheses
This study assumes that the Vow of Obedience is not well understood by the some members of St
John of God, St Benedict Menni Antananarivo Madagascar. It is also assumed that having
understood the meaning and the requirements of the Vow of Obedience, that all members shall be
committed to living it.
Finally in relation to this study, it is assumed that the members shall be willing to openly respond
to the questions given. With these responses, strategies on how to better the living of this vow shall
be found.
Justification of the study
The Vow of Obedience is one of the evangelical counsels in the Church. It is aimed at helping the
life of religious to respond to the call of God with a resounding “Yes”. This study therefore looks
at the Vow of Obedience in an attempt to understand it better, link it to the Hospitaller values and
utilize its precepts so that the mission of the Brothers may be more fulfilling.
Since no study was found relating the Vow of Obedience to the Hospitaller values. It is based on
this that the study is found necessary. In addition, the literature that is there on the vows, relates to
the entire congregation. It is not easy to link it to Hospitaller Values and to the life of the brothers.
It is based on this that we undertake the study.
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Purpose and aims of the study
This study aims at looking at how the Vow of Obedience can be properly lived and linked to
Christ’s obedience to the will of the Father.
Objectives:
• To explore how the Brothers of the Hospitaler Order of St John of God understand the Vow
of Obedience.
• To identify the challenges faced by the Brothers in living the Vow of Obedience.
• To propose strategies on how to live the Vow of Obedience more effectively among the
members of St John of God of the Community St Benedict Menni in Antananarivo
Madagascar.
Research questions
• How do the Brothers of the Hospitaler Order of St John of God understand the Vow of
Obedience?
• What are the challenges faced by the Brothers of St John of God in living the Vow of
Obedience?
• How can the Vow of Obedience be lived more affectively among members of St John of
God in St Benedict Menni in Antananarivo Madagascar?
Methodology
The study requires the researcher to use the following data: Primary, personal reflection and personal experiences as a religious living the Vow of Obedience. Secondly, additional sources of information shall be from questionnaires disseminated to 10 members. These are all the brothers
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who live or have lived in this community. Thirdly, data shall be received from written sources
including the internet, and other library materials. Also Church documents as well as Congregation
documents shall be considered.
Organization of the study
The study starts with the general introduction and is organized into three chapters. The first chapter
discusses the meanings and different definitions of Obedience. The second chapter deals with the
challenges facing the Vow of Obedience and chapter three dedicates itself to the strategies of effectively living out the Vow of Obedience.
Outline of the study
Chapter One
• Introduction to the chapter
• Definition of the Vow of Obedience
• Introduction of the founder of Hospitaller Brothers of Saint John of God
• Church’s teachings on the Vow of Obedience
• The constitution on the Vow of Obedience
• Conclusion
Chapter Two
• The life and the challenges regarding the Vow of Obedience
• Introduction
• The life and the challenges of the Vow of Obedience in the community
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• Conclusion
Chapter Three
• Introduction
• Strategies to the challenges of the Vow of Obedience
• Conclusion
CHAPTER ONE
UNDERSTANDING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE
Introduction
This part discusses the response to what is Vow of Obedience? It then addresses the literature on
the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God. Finally, it discusses the teaching on the Vow of
Obedience mentioning the constitution of the Hospitalers Order on the Vow of Obedience.
Definition of the Vow of Obedience
The fidelity which inspires one’s profession of obedience is the same as the fidelity which inspired the charity of Christ. Through this profession in fact, one makes a total offering of one’s will and
enters more decisively and more surely into the plan of salvation. Following the example of Christ, who came to do the will of the Father, and in communion with him who “learned to obey through
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suffering” and “ministered through the brethren,” every member desiring to follow Christ as a religious assumes a firmer commitment to the minister of the Church of the brethren.4
Traditionally, obedience has been understood to be the submission of one’s individual will to the will of another for the achievement of a greater good, usually spiritual understanding of the meaning and practice of the Vow of Obedience was clear. Obedience is seen rather strictly as submission to the will of God mediated through one’s religious superior in all things required.
Since the second Vatican Council (1962-65), however, understanding of the Vow of Obedience within this framework no longer reflects the lived experience of many United States apostolic women religious.
The history of the evolution of the Vow of Obedience is rooted in the history and development of religious life itself. For centuries, the Vow of Obedience has been considered to be at the heart of a commitment to religious life. In fact, for many vowed religious, obedience is the only vow they take; poverty and celibacy being assumed within the Vow of Obedience. 5
Introduction on the Founder of Brothers of Saint John of God
The Hospitallers of St John of God have their origin in Granada, Spain: in the second half of the
16th century. The aim since the start was to continue the charitable apostolate of Saint John of God, who was born at Montemor-o- Novo (Portugal) and died in Granada on 08th March 1550. Members of this Order therefore are religious Brothers. This institute was approved by the Church as an
Order of Brothers with the mission to provide assistance for the sick and the needy.
4 Vatican II Counsel, Perfect Caritatis #23
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Saint John of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and inwardly transformed by the mercy for love of the Father, lived the love of God in perfect unity (1Jn4:20-21, Mt22:36-40). He alone understood that the clearest sign of the passage from death to life is love of one’s brothers and sisters, not only expressed in words, but manifested in deeds and in truth (Jn3:14,18). It is precisely because of this characteristic that he is justifiably claimed as founder.
The Hospitaller Order “forms part and parcel of the global village”. Its members number 1,500
brothers, about 40,000 co-workers, and 300,000 employees, volunteers, co-workers-benefactors,
together. The Order is presently in five continents, 47countries (including Madagascar and Kenya).
The mission of the congregation on behalf of the sick, the poor and the suffering is in 295 centers.
Although all members of one and the same body, the Order, differing situations are experienced.6
However, for all the religious, consecration to God in the Order is brought about by the profession
of the public vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and hospitality. In this study, the focus is on the
Vow of Obedience. The aim is to look at how the brothers live this vow and what needs to be improved both in initial and ongoing formation. The study also seeks to link the Vow of Obedience
to the Hospitaller Values. To allow for this progression, the study explains the Vow of Obedience
in the next section.
Church’s Teachings on the Vow of Obedience
The Vow of Obedience entails the self-surrender of one’s power and liberty following the example
of Jesus Christ who was obedient to his Father until death on cross (Philippians2:8). A person,
who publicly vows Obedience, commits the self to following Christ radically. The person prefers
6 Cf. R.N. TEH. OH, Hospitality always new.1-3.
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Christ over own individual liberty. Religious person has no choice of who to live with or where to live. It is a continuous ‘YES’ to whoever one is sent with and to wherever the appointment dictates.7
According to Vatican II, a religious moved by the Holy Spirit subjects him/herself to the Superiors who stand for God in the daily living. Through the Superior, a person carrying the Vow of
Obedience is led to serve the brothers and sisters in the word with dedication and love following the example of Jesus Christ who ministered to people with submission to his Father.
In the mission of the church where the consecrated people have a share through their different chrisms one realizes self as only a steward, and so, serves with dedication and love. One seeks the will of God not one’s own but in consultation with the Superiors and other relevant authorities in the church. The member takes responsibilities with freedom and love.
Responsibility, accountability and freedom are core to the person living out the Vow of Obedience.
They become a sign of humility and self-surrender where all pride and self-exaltation is defeated.8
Having looked at the understanding of the Vow of Obedience, the study now seeks to address the constitution on the Vow of Obedience.
The Constitution on the Vow of Obedience
As brothers of St John of God, obedience is based on the desire to identify the self with Christ who, with his obedience, brought about redemption: he came into the world to do the will of the
Father and fulfilled this in the service of mankind; he offered himself unreservedly to the Father’s will and “although he was God’s Son he learned through his sufferings to be obedient”, obedient
7 Class notes, Religious life in Africa challenge for the future, by Fr. Baru 8 Vatican II Counsel, Perfect Perfecta Caritatis #14 *** 12
unto death. Through obedience, Brothers offer their whole will to God as a sacrifice of their
individual selves. In this way the members remain united more closely to God’s salvific will, which is shown to all humanity through his word the magisterium of the Church, the Rule, the
Constitution and the special law of the Order, the decisions of superiors, dialogue with all
confreres, and interpretation of the sign of the times. In this way the brothers are able to proclaim
that the freedom won for all by Christ, to which every individual feels called, enables all to live the service of others, without submitting to the yoke of slavery, and avoiding tyranny, egoism, the lack of identification with the community and all those situations in which human dignity is compromised (Mt 20: 25 – 26).
Obedience is a personal act, rooted in faith and love, and it helps one move towards the freedom of sons of God, and assists all in the progress towards overall maturity, since both authority and obedience are at the service of the person, the community and the mission.
With the Vow of Obedience the Brothers freely and unconditionally accept God’s will for all,
pledging to carry out whatever the legitimate superiors decide in accordance with the constitution of the Order. Since all the Brothers share in a special way in the life and mission of the church because of the charism and apostolate, in virtue of this vow all are also obedient to the Pope as are also to the supreme superior. It is he who is the head of the universal community of charity, and hence the love and obedience offered him unites the Brothers in a special way to the mystery of the Church.9
9 Cf. Constitution of Saint John of God Brothers
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Conclusion
The Vow of Obedience is one of the three evangelical counsels. This is important to the members of the Hospitaller Order. The church has her view point that the Vow of Obedience is the basis of the relationship between the members of congregations and God’s will.
CHAPTER TWO
CHALLENGES FACING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE
Introduction
Although the Vow of Obedience is an important tool for religious life, some challenges come regarding the Vow of Obedience in the community. They may be from the not understanding well of the Vow of Obedience for some members in the community. This part will discuss the possible challenges regarding the Vow of Obedience in the community.
Obedience from the Biblical Perspective
There are two relevant texts; Luke 10:16; Jn4:34; Jn7:16-19; Jn21:18. Jesus’ life was filled with his loyalty and obedience to the Father and he charged his followers with the same. He expressed that his food was to do the will of him who sent him. In St John’s Gospel Jesus constantly told the people that he is doing the will of the Father. He has given the same charge to the Church and that is the only way all human beings can reach the Father. It is this same charge that is given to the
Hospitaller Brothers.
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Religious men and women are called to follow the obedient Christ. All are supposed to obey the church and the founders according to the charism of the different congregations. The teachings of the founders are in line with the teachings of the Church which derives its own teaching from
Christ himself. At this dying moment, Jesus submitted to the will of his Father. It is the life style of Jesus that inspires the religious to commit to this vow. This is the ultimate reason why submission to obedience in religious life among the Hospitaller Brothers is essential.
The Vow of Obedience rests on the firm belief the God communicates his will not only directly, but also through other people. This calls for humility and patience. Without such faith it will be difficult to discover the will of God in ministry or in community life. The Vow of Obedience is apostolic in nature –ready to go when sent. This mandate among the Hospitallers is executed by the Order’s superiors.
Personal salvation depends on the activation of the charisma of the other members of the Church.
Salvation and charism bind all together as a community. It is important that as a leader in the community one seeks the will of God for each member and not own will. It is the Holy Spirit who calls one person to take up a particular function in the Church for the benefit for the whole people.
Charism is a collective not a personal gift. This is a great insight into the mission and life of Jesus.
One wonders how this Vow of Obedience is understood and practiced in our modern time religious life, more so among the Bothers of St John of God.
John M. Lozano in his book Life as Parable (1986) expresses that evangelical obedience is not a simple response to a norm, a commandment, or an order, that is, to purely juridical and disciplinary reality, but rather, a habitual attitude of communion with a group and its leaders in faith and in love. It should be noted that obedience, not only as communion in faith but also as communion in
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charity, has an essential relation with God and his salvific will.10 This vow is meant to guide the
Brothers of St John of God to engage in their ministry fruitfully.
Linking from that, the brothers integrate knowledge in their life that the Vow of Obedience is
essential to live as religious and living in the community. Sometimes it is notable that some
brothers fail to obey. All things become experiences through which one gets time to reflect more
on the practice of the Word of God. However, based on human weakness, challenges to live and
follow the exigency of community life in faith and love as Brothers of St John of God is experienced.
Conclusion
In religious life the Vow of Obedience is understood by focusing on the will of God. The words of God are the important tool in following his will. Many things are experienced in religious life among them the challenges of money spending and a lot of free time. These should not be hindrances but rather learning moments. As Pope Francis acknowledged, difficulties call us to grow in “mercy, forbearance and perfect charity.” In this way the challenges facing the Brothers of St Benedict have a chance to grow and mature in their vocation.
10 Cf. Document consecrated life in Africa, Pauline course of Sr. Maria Felix
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CHAPTER THREE
STRATEGIES OF EFFECTIVELY LIVING THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE
Introduction
This part, deals with ways in which the Vow of Obedience can be more effectively lived, so that it can be a tool for religious life among the Hospitaller Brothers. The Vow of Obedience if well offered and appreciated by the church, and by the Brothers in the Order, can help one deepen their life in community and their relationship with God. It is meant to equip each member to follow the will of God. The Vow of Obedience is observed among the Hospitallers, but the observance has
room for improvement among the St John of God Brothers.
Ways of Improving the Vow of Obedience for the Brothers of St John of God in Madagascar
The brothers need a personalized journey through the Vow of Obedience for them to develop an inner personal knowledge: through this they shall be able to understand what the Vow of
Obedience is about. They should be taught about this vow so that they are able to follow well this
vow at work and in their different experiences. This will help them know which decisions to take
in living the Vow of Obedience. They should be encouraged to read their constitutions regularly
to be in touch with what kind of life they are supposed to follow. In addition more symposia and
exposure to les privileged persons would also assist in getting them to realize their gifts and use
them more benevolently.
Members of the Order of St John should be well trained on the Vow of Obedience and should have enough experience in the community life so that they are able to accept the will of God, realize it for the acceptation of the others and order giving by the legitimate superior. They should take
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seriously their promise during the profession and be reminded that time to time. The superior of
their community should be reminding them to be conscious in reading in the community the
constitution.
The Brothers of St John of God should be supported by their community so that a good
environment is offered for them to grow and be able to reflect on their own experiences. They
should also be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their own religious life and hence ask
for any help needed.
Conclusion
The Brothers of St John of God at St Benedict Menni community even though they might be facing
challenges in the Vow of Obedience, overcome them if they are conscious of their life most
preciously their religious profession with the help of their superior. Therefore, the strategies
mentioned prior, if well implemented can be helpful in addressing these challenges.
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Recommendations
This study is on the Vow of Obedience. Having gone through the literature as well as information
gained through course work, various recommendations emerge. These recommendations are
divided into two. First there are those given by the Brothers of St John of God who responded to
questions asked. Second there are recommendations emanating from the researcher.
Recommendations from the questions are in three blocks: the experiences of the brothers; the
challenges faced; and the ways to best deal with the challenges. On the part of the experiences, the respondents stated that though the Vow of Obedience is difficult to live, it is essential in creating harmony among community members. Also, if actively lived it brings responsibility through mutual dialogue and collaboration.
On the part of challenges faced in living the Vow of Obedience among the Hospitaller Brothers, there is difficult when members do not tolerate each other’s weaknesses. Also no one is meant to police the others. In addition they claimed that for some obedience is top down’ this makes relationships difficult. If the above recommendations are put into consideration the challenges discussed earlier in relation to finances and to free time shall be well encountered.
Finally in relation to what needs to be done for the Vow of Obedience to be lived better, respondents stated that the Brothers need to constantly seek the intervention of the Holy Spirit in obeying God’s voice. Also there should be a constant promotion of voluntary obedience encouraging each member to be responsible of the self and of the other. The constitution if well elaborated and used, is also a key guide into adherence to the Vow of Obedience.
The second part of the recommendations focus on the researcher. The Vow of Obedience has continued to assist me realize fruitfulness in my life as a brother of St John of God. Based on its
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ability to assist me live better my vocation, I recommend that all the brothers of St John of God in
the community of St Benedict Menni in Madagascar also benefit from this learning as they engage with this topic.
Through the course of the spirituality of vows, I have been enriched to understand better the Vow of Obedience. I recommend the school of spirituality to continue offering such methodology so that students continue to be helped. I recommend also that the Brothers of St John of God in
Madagascar continue taking personal responsibility for their growth.
REFERENCES
o Cf. Constitution of Saint John of God Brothers.
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o < http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11182a.htm >
o Vatican II Counsel, Perfect Caritatis #23
o < https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2016/03/06// >
o Cf. R.N. TEH. OH, Hospitality always new.1-3. o < https://books.google.co.ke,google scholar > o Class notes, Religious life in Africa challenge for the future, by Fr Baru
o Vatican II Counsel, Perfect Caritatis #14
o Cf. Document consecrated life in Africa, Pauline course of Sr. Maria Felix
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