The Vows of Consecrated Life (Part1)

A vow is simply a promise to God.  The religious vows are sacred promises made to God, in the Church by which one is incorporated into a canonically approved institute. According to Canon law, “by religious profession members assume by public vow the observance of the three evangelical counsels,  are consecrated to God, and are incorporated into the institute with rights and duties defined by law” (CIC 654). The vows set consecrated persons apart from the people; they become ‘consecrated’ persons by the virtue of this total dedication.


Varieties of Vows

There are three major vows (also known as evangelical counsels) often professed by most consecrated men and women namely; poverty, chastity and obedience. The vows can be differentiated according to their duration. Thus, we have temporary and perpetual vows (sometimes called first and final vows respectively). Temporary vows are taken for certain period of time and they can be renewed a number of times before the perpetual vows. Perpetual vows are professed for one’s life time.

A vow can also be simple or solemn. A simple vow is a promise made to God concerning certain actions or inaction but not recognized as solemn as such by the church.  A vow can be public and still be simple. A solemn vow is any vow designated as such by the Church. Though most religious orders and congregations profess three vows, there are exceptions. Some congregations profess the fourth vow. For example, the Jesuits profess the fourth vow of obedience to the Pope, while Daughters of Charity profess the forth vow of service to persons who are poor.



The Purpose of Vows

The vows of consecrated life are essentially an expression of a unique, personal and intimate relationship with God. Vatican II suggests two fundamental reasons for professing the vows:  “first, in order to be set free from hindrances that could hold him back from loving God ardently and worshiping Him perfectly, and secondly in order to consecrate himself in a more thoroughgoing way to the service of God” (Lumen Gentium, n. 44).

By pronouncing the vows, the consecrated persons enter into a profound and exclusive relationship with the Trinity. This unique relationship between the Trinity and the consecrated persons is spousal in nature. The consecrated persons are totally and irrevocably united with God. God becomes their ALL. Ultimately, the goal of the vows is union with God. The profession of the vows is a pledge of total, unequivocal and unreserved dedication to God. The profession of vows is an act of self donation; the pledge of ultimate self giving.