In 1978, the INSTITUTE ON RELIGIOUS LIFE sponsored a National Congress in St. Louis, Missouri, which drew over 2,500 participants from the U.S. and Canada. The theme of this historic event was “What Ever Happened to Religious Life?—The Laity Speaks to Religious.” In the talks, representatives from the lay faithful reaffirmed the special role that consecrated religious have in the life and mission of the Church. They also challenged religious men and women to live authentic Gospel lives as articulated by Vatican II and the directives of the Church.
Now—thirty years later—the 2008 IRL National Meeting will revisit this important question and explore ways in which Our Lord continues to guide His Church, particularly through the evangelical witness of the consecrated life. Everyone is invited to share in the great strides have been made since 1978 and to investigate the challenges that still remain.
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The image of the stained glass and mural dome at St. Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago depicts over 150 figures including saints, clergy, religious and laity. The image provides a visual overview of Church history.
(Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Chicago Archives and Records Center, Tina Leto, photographer)
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