Vocations Focus in London

The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) in the United States has published a landmark report on the attitudes of those who have entered religious congregations in the US since 1993.

Last week, the director of the NRVC, Br Paul Bednarczyk spoke at two gatherings in London to present the findings. The survey found that the most successful institutes for attracting and retaining new members at this time are those that follow a more traditional style of religious life. This includes the wearing of a habit, explicit fidelity to the Church and the teachings of the Magisterium, living together in large communities, daily Mass, Divine Office, and working together in common apostolates.

The Communications Director for the Presentation Brothers' Anglo Irish Province, Andrew O'Connell attended both gatherings. "How our religious congregations respond to the results of this study could very well determine their future. This is a very challenging report. The findings need to be carefully examined and discussed. Even though it was conducted in the United States, my own experience tells me that it rings true for Ireland and the UK also," Andrew said.

An executive summary of the detailed report is available here.

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