The Vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience are the path to holiness for the religious. Fidelity to the Vows that we freely and publicly profess, assures the freedom to grow towards the goal of perfect charity in imitation of Christ our Spouse.
Chastity
“The chastity "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:12) which religious profess should be counted an outstanding gift of grace. It frees the heart of man in a unique fashion (cf. 1 Cor. 7:32-35) so that it may be more inflamed with love for God and for all men. The Profession of Chastity liberates the human heart in a unique way (1 Cor 7:32-33) and causes it to burn with greater love for God and all mankind.” (Perfectae caritatis, 12)
Poverty
In our Profession of Poverty we promise God to have no personal possessions but to hold all things in common. “If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou have and give it to the poor and come follow Me.” (Mt 19:21) Through Poverty, voluntarily embraced in imitation of Christ, Religious renounce completely earthly riches and the desire for possessions and are set free from all earthly attachments in order to give themselves wholly to the service of the Kingdom of God.
Obedience
In our Profession of Obedience, we imitate Christ in a special way, for He always submitted to His Father’s will for the life of the world. “...I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent Me." (Jn 5:30) Holy Obedience is the key that opens wide the door to true freedom in Christ. Through the profession of obedience, Religious offer to God a total dedication of their own wills as a sacrifice of themselves...they thereby unite themselves with the saving will of God; thus following the pattern of Jesus Christ, Who came to do the Father’s will. ( Jn 4:34;5:30; Heb 10:7; Ps 39:9)
