IRL E-Notice of Books, Audios, Videos

The so-called "Phoenix phive" and Mother Angelica before the young sisters founded their monastery.

Become an IRL member today at half the normal fee — only $10! (offer for U.S. only)
Offer good only until Nov. 4.

Is religious life dead? Not hardly. While many in the Church have lamented the drop in the numbers of priests, religious sisters and brothers throughout the English-speaking countries in recent years, there are real signs of vitality and growth.

Look at the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Mother Angelica's group in Alabama who sent five sisters to open a new monastery in Phoenix, AZ. The Poor Clares had been "bursting at the seams" in Hanceville, and were hoping to open another foundation during the Year of the Eucharist, when they happened to talk to the Institute on Religious Life (IRL). The IRL then directed them to Most Rev. Thomas Olmsted, the bishop of Phoenix, who desired to establish a monastery of cloistered, contemplative nuns to pray for special needs in his diocese.

And Our Lady of Solitude monastery was born this past May, less than a year after that initial phone call! This was more than a coincidence — it was a "God-incidence," in which the IRL — as well as its members and friends — could claim to be a part of. And this is only one example of the importance of our work.

It is every baptized person's duty to encourage and support religious life. What have you been doing to help? It may not be as grand a plan as financing the building of a new monastery or the funding the education of a priest or missionary. Rather, it may be simply your prayers and hidden sacrifices — and a membership in the IRL — which helps produce an abundance of vocations.

Just recently, Pope Benedict XVI, in speaking about religious, reminded the Church that we all still rely on their prayers, prophetic voice and dedicated service. The Pope noted, "There is not a human or ecclesial environment where they are not present, often silently, but always hardworking and creative." Don't you agree?

To fulfill the Holy Father's vision, the IRL provides programs such as a summer institute for religious, an annual meeting for religious and laity, audio and video vocational resources, a magazine and other publications, an extensive website, and constant efforts to help young persons in discernment searching for God's will.

You are the first step in helping us make this happen. You can become part of our mission by becoming an Associate Member and uniting your prayers and sacrifices to ours in promoting and supporting consecrated life. And you will be directly making all of our efforts possible.

You can become an IRL member for only $10 — half of the normal price of $20. And you will receive the next issue of Religious Life magazine, issued six times per year. But you must act now — the offer is only good until Nov. 4, the First Friday in November. So just click on the below button to begin your discount membership. (Offer for U.S. only.)

Do you know of a priest or religious whom you know might be interested in membership? Why not give that person a gift membership at the same discount fee? Just indicate in the payment message that you want this as a gift, and include the person's name and address.

Call our office at the below number if you have any questions. I hope to hear today that you will join in our work to support and promote consecrated life.