The Charisms: Distinction between the Secular Institute and Others
In order to function correctly the laity within the various charisms require to become increasingly more true to themselves. Each charism and the various spirituality which may develop from the particular charism, has a mode of expression. The charisms of the religious orders have to be applied in the lay state but are intrinsically religious charisms and therefore their manifestation and mission will be different from that of the Secular Institute.
The existing system lays itself open to the ever present risk of the various Institutes taking the “middle course,” being held back by charisms which have an entirely different mission and road to travel.
There is an urgent need is for a United Secular Institute with a distinctive well defined lay secular charism fitting for those to whom the Lord has called to this vocation and for the promotion of lay spirituality.
I believe that a re – organisation with a greater awareness and fidelity to the particular charism is an effective way of responding to the needs of the members and to the call of the Bishops for a new evangelisation. A new evangelisation which needs to begin with a renewed awareness and respect for the diverse charisms, gifts from God given to the Church
In order to function correctly the laity within the various charisms require to become increasingly more true to themselves. Each charism and the various spirituality which may develop from the particular charism, has a mode of expression. The charisms of the religious orders have to be applied in the lay state but are intrinsically religious charisms and therefore their manifestation and mission will be different from that of the Secular Institute.
The existing system lays itself open to the ever present risk of the various Institutes taking the “middle course,” being held back by charisms which have an entirely different mission and road to travel.
There is an urgent need is for a United Secular Institute with a distinctive well defined lay secular charism fitting for those to whom the Lord has called to this vocation and for the promotion of lay spirituality.
I believe that a re – organisation with a greater awareness and fidelity to the particular charism is an effective way of responding to the needs of the members and to the call of the Bishops for a new evangelisation. A new evangelisation which needs to begin with a renewed awareness and respect for the diverse charisms, gifts from God given to the Church
A Category Error
“Speak, Lord; for your servant is listening.” Sam 3: 9, 10
I believe that what the Lord is saying is this:
The Secular Institute is a separate Charism, complete in itself, a charism which has been given by God in order to operate in its own name and right, distinct from any other charism, religious or otherwise. The Secular Institute is called to be a separate entity within the Church, having its own specific distinct vocation.
An example using well known Charisms:
Franciscan Carmelite Salesian Secular Institute
Charism Charism Charism Charism
Spirituality Spirituality Spirituality Spirituality
Mission Mission Mission Mission
Theology Theology Theology Theology
All of the above are different and separate modes and expressions of living the Christian life and one is not the other. It will be noted that they are separate Charisms and all are complete in themselves; as a charism given by God the Source, is the principle of the vocation and from this principle flow the subsequent parts – the spirituality etc. According to the words from the Lord quoted above, it is not possible to put a “Charism under another Charism”, as is the current practice of the various Secular Institutes – as this is to make a categorical error.
The question is: What have the various charisms to do with the Secular Institute, which as will be seen from the chart above has a Charism equal to and separate from other charisms? This observation has direct implications for all those Institutes who have incorporated parts of other charisms and spiritualities, and yet continue under a “Secular Institute” designation.
A Call For
The formation of a United Secular Institute, an Institute for the 21st century and beyond in the heart of the laity, in the heart of the world.
A re – appraisal by every Secular Institute as to which charism they pertain in order to ascertain if they are called by God to the proposed independent United Secular Institute.
A revision and strengthening of the Charisms, each according to its “own kind”.
A new evangelisation according to and by means of the various charisms given by the grace of God to the Church.
The formation of a United Secular Institute, an Institute for the 21st century and beyond in the heart of the laity, in the heart of the world.
A re – appraisal by every Secular Institute as to which charism they pertain in order to ascertain if they are called by God to the proposed independent United Secular Institute.
A revision and strengthening of the Charisms, each according to its “own kind”.
A new evangelisation according to and by means of the various charisms given by the grace of God to the Church.
Think Pray Act
Diana May Cockburn
22 May 2017
