Quotes From Pope Francis (& Others)

[The priority of consecrated (religious) life is] prophecy of the Kingdom, which is non-negotiable. The emphasis should be on being prophets… [T]o be prophets, in particular, by demonstrating how Jesus lived on this earth, and to proclaim how the Kingdom of God will be in its perfection. A religious must never give up prophesying. Prophecy makes a noise, uproar, a mess… Prophecy announces the spirit of the Gospel.

The witness [of religious life] that can really attract is that associated with attitudes which are uncommon - generosity, detachment, sacrifice, self-forgetfulness – in order to care for others. This is the witness, the martyrdom of religious life.

Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world.

The above excerpted from “Wake Up the World! Conversation with Pope Francis about the Religious Life”, Antonio Spadaro S.J., published in La Civilta Cattolica 2014 I 3-17, translated to English by Fr. Donald Maldari S.J.

Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit. (Pope Francis)

Religious life ought to promote growth in the Church by way of attraction. The Church must be attractive.

What breaks the heart of God is what breaks the heart of a prophet. (Anonymous)

Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of god. (Chardin)

If you are who you are meant to be you will set the world on fire. (St. Catherine of Sienna)