| Press
Release Institute
on Religious Life Launches
CloisteredLife.com In light of the resurgence of vocations among monastic and cloistered communities of consecrated life in the Catholic Church, a website devoted exclusively to the cloistered life has been launched by a major vocations organization. Since its launch on Nov. 1, CloisteredLife.com has met with a flurry of interest among Catholic bloggers and other Internet users. “The growth in vocations to a life totally devoted to prayer is a remarkable phenomenon at a time in when it might be least expected,” said Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem., National Director of the Chicago-based Institute on Religious Life. Pope Benedict XVI has designated November 21, the Feast of the Presentation of Mary, as a day to pray for cloistered religious. It is called Pro Orantibus Day (meaning, for those who pray). Pro Orantibus Day is intended to be a moment of thanksgiving, solidarity and support involving the entire Church. As His Holiness said in his Angelus message marking last year's event, it is an opportunity “to express gratitude to those who consecrate their lives to prayer in the cloister, offering eloquent testimony of the primacy of God and of His Kingdom.” “The IRL shares Pope Benedict's great interest in making Catholics more aware of this ‘hidden' form of vocation,” said Fr. Nelson, “and www.CloisteredLife.com offers a variety of helpful resources for observing Pro Orantibus Day at the parish level.” The website features downloadable bulletin announcements, a liturgy planning guide, intercessions, and even homily notes authored by Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P., well-known theologian, retreat master and a familiar face to EWTN audiences. “I urge interested Catholics to take a look at this new website and learn more about the prayer-filled lives of men and women who follow this truly counter-cultural way of life,” said Fr. Nelson, “and also try out the VocationSearch feature of the IRL's website, www.religiouslife.com, to find excellent cloistered and monastic religious communities throughout the United States.” Founded in 1974 by the late Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., the IRL is a national organization of bishops, priests, religious and lay people dedicated to promoting the growth and strength of religious vocations in the Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Michael D. Wick at (773) 267-1195. Media outlets can receive our press releases by requesting them by email at our contact page. |