Witnesses of faith

By Rob Herbst
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Approximately 25 women and men from around the Archdiocese of Mobile gathered on Feb. 6 to celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life.
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, commended and thanked those Religious present for their life’s commitment to God and the Church and for their service to the archdiocese. The women and men minister in various roles such as in parishes, schools, health care, care of the elderly, prayer and retreat work, and in works of advocacy and justice. Their witness and life of faith should be examples for everyone.
“How countercultural it is (to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience), but you in flesh in your consecrated life live what all of us are called by the Lord Jesus to remember. Thank you for your witness. Thank you for your ministry, your service to all of us. Thank you for your prayers and all of us here we pray with you and for you that God will bless you abundantly.”
There are about 120 women and men religious serving in the archdiocese. Archbishop Rodi noted that the number of men and women in religious orders is down in the U.S., but do not be afraid of the decreasing numbers.
"I do not know what God is doing with the Church because we are definitely going through a time of transition in Consecrated Life, but we are not to fear the Holy Spirit," he said. "Whatever the Holy Spirit decides, whatever is the plan by God, it will not be frustrated. We rejoice in the wonderful gift that consecrated life has been, continues to be and will be in the future as God guides and directs the Church, His family."