The Proper Disposition for Renewing Vows
Live+Jesus
On Sunday we will chat about vows.
The renewal of vows is approaching this November 21. St. Jane de Chantal, the Foundress of the Visitation Order, gave an exhortation in 1629 about the Sisters’ disposition in renewing their vows on the Feast of the Presentation on November 21.
She encouraged:Look again at the recompense which follows the observance of these vows; the eternal glory of Paradise, the company of all the blessed, and, what is more, the perpetual enjoyment of God, to Whom we have voluntarily bound ourselves by these vows.
I beseech you, dear Sisters, not to do this act in a hurry. Let us well understand its dignity; let us do it with heart rather than with mouth; let us renew our vows with a true and cordial affection of binding ourselves again to God, to our vocation and Rules.
If you do so, I can assure you that Our Lord will receive your oblation and sacrifice with a propitious eye and will fill us with many favors, with His grace, with the sweetness of the union of our souls with Him, and with glory after our death.
Source: St Jane de Chantal, Exhortation XXI, 1629
In our Living Jesus Chat Room this Sunday, we’ll talk about vows. Here are some questions to ponder.
- If vows are once-and-for-all, then why do you think it is important to have them renewed?
- How might we see things similar to vows in secular society?
- How are religious vows and marriage vows related? How can married couples benefit from this idea of renewing vows?
- What commitments have YOU made?