Religious orders have been around for centuries and centuries, inspiring countless people to renounce a “normal” life and completely devote themselves to serving Christ and his Church.
Each religious order is unique and serves the Church differently. These differences are often reflected in their way of life, habits, prayer routines, vows taken, and overall mission.
Many of them adopt a spiritual motto to help guide them in their prayer and decision-making. They are usually chosen by the founder of the order or based on the foundation in which the religious order was established.
Below you will find a few that you may draw inspiration from, too!
1) Barnabites: “Caritas Christi urget nos”
Translation: “The love of Christ compels us.”
2) Carthusians: “Stat crux dum volvitur orbis”
Translation: “The Cross is steady while the world is turning.”
3) Augustinians: “Anima una et cor unum in Deum”
Translation: “One heart and soul in God.”
4) Jesuits: “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam”
Translation: “For the greater glory of God.”
5) Dominicans: “Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare”
Translation: “To Praise, To Bless, To Preach”
6) Franciscans: “Pax et bonum”
Translation: “Peace and the good.”
7) Benedictines: “Ora et labora.”
Translation: “Pray and work.”
8) Carmelites: “Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum”
Translation: “With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of hosts.”
9) Adorno Fathers: “Ad maiorem Dei resurgentis gloriam.”
Translation: “For the greater glory of the risen God.”
Saint John Paul II on consecrated life:
“By their very vocation, religious are intimately linked to the Redemption. In their consecration to Jesus Christ they are a sign of the Redemption that He accomplished. In the sacramental economy of the Church they are instruments for bringing this Redemption to the People of God. They do so by the vitality that radiates from the lives they live in union with Jesus, who continues to repeat to all His disciples: "I am the vine, you are the branches" (Jn. 15:5). Religious bring the People of God into contact with the Redemption by the evangelical and ecclesial witness they bear by word and example to the message of Jesus. Their communion with their local Churches and with the universal Church has a supernatural effectiveness by reason of the Redemption. The important collaboration they give to the ecclesial community helps it to live and perpetuate the mystery of the Redemption, especially through the Eucharistic Sacrifice in which the work of the Redemption is repeatedly actuated.”
Join us in praying for vocations to religious life:
O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen.
Prayer Source: EWTN