Each sister takes the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to conform herself more perfectly to Christ and in turn love Him more perfectly:
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Sr. Catherine Marie of the Crucified |
Poverty, that Christ may be her all: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Chastity, that she may give herself completely to Christ: "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2).
Obedience, that she may open herself up to the Will of God, which is perfect: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A Sister in Jesus the Lord states in her vows that she is delighted to live Jesus Christ, Love personified, and to be consumed in His Will. Our vows are considered private until, God willing, our community is raised to the status of a diocesan order.
"When do we live our faith intensely? When a Catholic lives Christ. . . . We need to radiate Christ."
--Catechism of the Catholic Church
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Gal 2:20-21
"Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father's house. So will the king desire your beauty: he is your lord, pay homage to him."
Psalm 44:11-12