Relevant Publications

REVIEW: Ubi Caritas: Facing the Crisis in Consecrated Life Today by Brother René Stockman

2007 Novalis, Saint Paul University Press, Ottawa, Canada (Available in Ireland from Columba Press)

In the last few years the publication of books on religious life has declined. So it was with interest that I read this book, written by a former superior general of the Brothers of Charity. Although originally written for members of his own congregation it has universal application to all religious life.

The author does not shy away from the realities of religious life today, especially as it is lived in the west - aging, diminishing numbers, lack of energy, but turns attention to re-examining the essence of religious life, including the vows and community, in a way that is theologically sound as well as contemporary in its interpretations.

While firmly rooted in a passionate belief in religious life, Stockman is also practical. His articulation of his vision of the servant-leader could well form the basis of a check list for any religious leader. Citing the theologian Metz, “How does the mystical passion for God become a political passion for humans?” he also turns attention to where he thinks religious ought to be in the world at this time.

Some Books on Religious Life

Azevedo, M., S.J. The Consecrated life: Crossroads & Directions Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York, 1995

Arbuckle, G.A.,SM/Fleming. D.L., S.J. (Editors) Religious Life: Rebirth through Conversion St. Paul Publication, 1990

Chittister, Joan The Fire in These Ashes Sheed and Ward 1995

Coghlan, David S.J. Renewing Apostolic Religious Life Columba Press, Dublin, 1997

Elm, Susanna ‘Virgins of God’ The Making of Asceticism in Late Antiquity Oxford Classical Monographs Clarendon Paperbacks 1996

Fiand, B. Releasement: Spirituality for Ministry Crossroad, New York, 1987

Fiand, B. Refocusing the Vision. Crossroad Pub.Co. 2001

Foley, Rites of Religious Profession Liturgy Training Publications 1989

Harmer, Catherine M. Religious Life in the 21st. Century Twenty Third Publications 1995

Leddy, M.J. Reweaving Religious Life: Beyond the Liberal Model Twenty-Third Publication, 1990

Merckle, Judith A A Different Touch Paulist Liturgical Press

Murray, Desmond The Death and Rebirth of Religious Life E.J.Dwyer (Australia) Distributed by Columba Press, Dublin 1995

Nugent, Andrew The Slow Release Miracle: A Spirituality for a Lifetime 2007 Paulist Press/Columba Press

Nolan, Albert o.p. Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical Freedom Orbis Books, New York, Maryknoll, 2007

O Murchu, D. Reframing Religious Life: An Expanded Vision for the Future. St Paul Publication, 1995

Radcliffe, T Sing a New Song Dominican Publications 1999

Radcliffe, T What is the Point of Being a Christain? Dominican Publications 2005

Scheneiders, S IHM Finding the Treasure:Locating Catholic Religious Life in a New Ecclesial and Cultural Context IHM Paulist Press 2000

Schneiders, S., I.H.M. New Wineskins: Re-imagining religious Life Today Paulist Press 1986

Schneiders, S., I.H.M. Selling All: Commitment, Consecrated Celibacy, and Community in Catholic Religious Life Paulist Press, 1999

Tugwell, Simon Ways of Imperfection: An Exploration of Christian Spirituality Templegate Publications 1985

Widdicombe, Catherine. Small Communities in Religious Life Making Them Work, The Lutterworth Press Cambridge, 2001

Wittberg, P., S.C. Creating a Future for Religious Life: A Sociological Perspective Paulist Press, 1990

Wittberg, Patricia, S.C. Pathways to Recreating Religious Communities Paulist Press 1996

Yuhaus, Cassian J. CP. Ed. Religious Life The challenge for Tomorrow Paulist Press 1994

Main Menu

Some Books on Religious Life