Abstract

The present edition of The Catholic Voyage: African Journal of Consecrated Life (TCV-Africa) chose to highlight this theme: “Inculturated Consecrated Life and the Growth of Vocations: Promoting and Safeguarding the Gift of Fidelity, the Joy of Perseverance.”

With the flourishing of vocations to Consecrated Life and Priesthood, the Church in Africa has a new and unique opportunity to advance the promotion and safeguarding of the gift of fidelity and joy of perseverance in Institutes of Consecrated Life and secular institutes, while strengthening initial and permanent formation. Considering the profound importance of religious vocation in the Church, and the increasing number of entrances into Formation Houses and Seminaries, it is also alarming the rate at which some consecrated persons exit the Consecrated life. Sometimes, we need to interrogate ourselves about the retention rate of candidates admitted and the multidimensional factors leading to their separation, and about how to address the issue. This publication addresses some of the concerns while offering admonitions on how the current difficulties of members and departures in religious institutes and societies of Apostolic life as experienced in some regions can be avoided or mediated. The contributions here are suggestive templates on how we can work toward sustaining and safeguarding the fidelity and perseverance of members, young or elderly, especially in the face of some sensitive situations. 

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INCULTURATED CONSECRATED LIFE