Renewal of Religious Life - Interview with Fr. John Burns

In this episode we talk with Fr. John Burns about the importance of the renewal of religious life as a huge part of how the Church will heal and be restored. We discuss how important it is for us to have a visible sign of a religious sister who lives her vocation as the bride of Christ and shows us that our hearts are made for God. We also discuss vocation as a calling to love and how restored femininity and masculinity is essential for fully living our calling.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Fall Feels Playlist

Michelle's one thing - Awakening Love- An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs - Gregory Cleveland, OMV

Heather's one thing - Brandt Jean forgives his brother's killer and invites her into relationship with Christ.

Fr. John's one thing - The gift of shared ministry at parish mission with Sr. Miriam

Extra Resources

Pope Francis' Homily (the end of the doc on brideship) -

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190202_omelia-vitaconsacrata.html

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How do religious sisters speak to the realities of the relationship that Christ desires with all of us?
3. Our vocation is to love. How is God calling you to fully live that out in this season of life?
4. Fr. John said that the consecrated heart blesses all of femininity by reminding the world what it looks like to be claimed and spoken for by the King of Kings. How do you feel about the truth that you are claimed and spoken for by God. How should this change your life?

Journal Questions:

1. We are all the bride. How does that language of being the bride of Christ make you feel?
2. What can you learn about your relationship with God from the visible sign of religious sisters?
3. Where does your idea or current reality of your vocation/calling need to be healed and restored?

Quote to Ponder - "there is nothing a woman cannot do when she knows that she is perfectly understood at all times and that she is loved" - Mother Mary Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Revelation 22:17 "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."