What the Holy Family Institute Is

What the Institute is

WE ARE ACCUSTOMED to think of "vows" and "consecration" in terms only of the Religious Life.

But in fact anyone can made a "vow" - "a solemn promise or assertion by which a person binds himself to an act, service or condition" (Webster).

The vows of Religious     are an act of renunciation in

favor of God of their human rights to possess property, to marry and to freedom of movement. They are also consecrated i.e. set apart to spend their lives for the special purpose of the Religious group they belong to: teaching, nursing, missions, communications, etc.

Vows in the Institute are not a renunciation of the members' human rights but confirm their marriage-vows of Poverty (mutual sharing of goods), Chastity (fidelity to one spouse) and Obedience (mutual respect and collaboration). Members are also consecrated. I.e. set apart to offer the value of their daily lives for the special purpose of the PAULINE FAMILY (evangelization through the media).

These vows are not private but are regulated by a Vatican Decree and a Statute.

The Institute is, therefore, a special divine gift for those couples who want to live a fully-committed life.

Points to ponder

Are the vows of Religious difficult to observe?

Sometimes, yes, because they involve renunciation of our human rights.

Are the Institute vows difficult to observe?

No, because they are observed by living the exact same married/family life as always.

Are there special Institute prayers?

Yes, they take ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes in the evening. Many good couples pray far more than that. There is also a daily examination of conscience: a basic Christian practice. Nothing new there.

Is there spiritual direction?

Yes, by one's local Director/ Confessor but also Institute guidance in the Institute spirituality.

What is the special blessing of Institute membership?

For the first time in the history of the Church, married couples can make Church-regulated vows and consecration. But there is more. The Institute is a branch of the PAULINE FAMILY, a number of Religious Congregations engaged in evangelization through the media - the central work of the Church done in the most effective way and - this is very important - sustained and supported by the members' prayer and sacrifice, including the prayer and sacrifice of Institute members.