Discernment of vocations to religious life and the departure challenge

Abstract

The discernment of vocations to religious life is a complex process. It
involves a deep consideration through prayer of one's call to follow
Christ in a radical and communal way. One who feels called to live a
religious life is accompanied by a formator whose duty it is to observe
the facts and confirm the existence of authentic vocation, and to assist in forming the person for the life.

Departures from religious life nowadays are not few and insignificant.
We need to reflect to find out the factors that contribute to these
departures, as well as the best ways to stop the malady and foster
perseverance in religious life.

This paper, which explores the discernment of vocations to and
departures from religious life in the light of recent research, using
expository and analytical methodology, will be divided into three main sections. The first section will provide an overview of the discernment process, highlighting some signs of authentic vocation. The second section will discuss some possible reasons for departures, drawing on both research and personal experience in the pastoral life of the Church. The third section will offer some suggestions on how to support those called to religious life to live the life joyfully and to persevere in it.

The paper will conclude by arguing that departures are contradictory to 1 the “stable nature of religious life,” and hence members and institutes should work hard to foster happiness and fulfillment in religious life on the one hand and should avoid whatever can lead to desertion of it on the other hand.