The Active Life: serving the world through total self-giving to God

One of the most important calls of the pontificate of John Paul II has been the new evangelization: a commitment that requires enthusiasm, dedication and unity of the whole people of God. Priests, religious and laity are summoned to this task, which can only be carried out in authentic communion, respecting the diversity of charisms and vocations.

Within this panorama, the religious of Active Life constitute an extraordinary potential for the mission of the Church:

"> “Also in our days religious men and women represent a primary evangelizing and apostolic force in the Latin American continent… The presence of consecrated life is an enormous potential of persons and communities, of charisms and institutions… to permeate cultures, defend human rights and promote people integrally”

— Apostolic Letter to the Religious of Latin America, June 29, 1990, no. 3

Religious of Active Life not only witness to the evangelical life, but make it present in the midst of society, bringing the light of Christ where it is most needed.

What is Active Life?

Active Life is defined as the form of religious life in which the members are primarily dedicated to works of charity and apostolate. Unlike Contemplative Life, centered on prayer and meditation, Active Life seeks to live the Gospel through concrete actions, following the example of Jesus:

Teaching and education
Care for the sick and the elderly
Social works and assistance to the marginalized
Evangelization and catechesis

“The first means of evangelization for religious is to conform their life ever more to the person and message of Jesus Christ”
— Address to the Superiors General of Europe, November 17, 1983

Characteristics of women religious of Active Life

Those who opt for Active Life possess distinctive qualities:

1. Commitment to service:
They live devoted to others, especially the most needy.

2. Apostolic versatility:
They take part in diverse activities according to their congregation's apostolate, from education to medical care.

3. Communal bond:
Life in community strengthens fraternity, shared prayer and mutual support.

4. Active spirituality:
They combine prayer, sacramental life and apostolic action, balancing contemplation and service.

“The Church expects from religious men and women a constant and decisive impulse in the work of the new evangelization, since each one is called according to his or her charism to spread the good news of Christ throughout the world”
— Apostolic Letter to the Religious of Latin America, June 29, 1990, no. 24

Formation of women religious of Active Life

Formation takes place in stages, seeking to deepen the vocation and discern definitive commitment:

Postulancy: Introduction to community life and apostolate.
Novitiate: Deeper formation in spirituality, charism and the rules of the congregation.
Temporary profession: Renewable temporary vows, while discernment continues.
Perpetual profession: Life vows, totally consecrating existence to God and to the service of neighbor.

This formation ensures that religious women can respond to the challenges of the new evangelization with effectiveness and coherence.

Lifestyle and mission places

Women religious of Active Life live in open communities: convents, parishes or community centers, interacting with society. Their day combines:

Prayer: Moments of encounter with God.
Community work: Household tasks and fraternal life.
Apostolic service: Education, health, social assistance and evangelization.

“Missionary action depends on your missionary formation… no one bears witness more effectively to evangelical values than those who profess consecrated life with total gift to God and availability to serve man and society”
— Redemptoris Missio, nn. 69-70

Main functions in the Church

Women religious of Active Life act directly in society, bringing the Gospel to the world:

Education: Catholic schools and colleges.
Health: Care for the sick and nursing.
Social work: Support for the poor and marginalized.
Evangelization: Catechesis and local and international missions.