The relevance of consecrated life in the contemporary society

Abstract

The Church is experiencing profound growth in the area of consecrated life. This seduction by God of those created in his own image and likeness is the aim of this investigation notwithstanding its complexity in terms of popular perception amongst peopleof all faith and the magisterial teaching of the Church. Therefore, this work presents acomparative study with a holistic approach considering scripture, historical and oral traditionwithin the context of the universal call to holiness especially that of those called to specialvocation or consecrated life.Also, the investigation has its starting point with the Magisterium of the Church asoutlined by the Second Vatican Council, with quantitative data gathered across a section ofNigerian and Portuguese people. The research includes Roman Catholics, Protestants,Evangelicals and an atheist.The methodology includes literature reviews, the expository method and the use ofquestionnaires. Additionally, this study attests to the aesthetic beauty and the relevance ofconsecrated life in our contemporary society. In a nutshell, consecrated life is against all formof idolatry and discrimination. It is a life that celebrates real human values, such as obedience,chastity, poverty in spirit, meekness, self-emptying, freedom against human trafficking, abuseand promotes the dignity of all God’s children.

Date of Award	11 Jan 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luís M. Figueiredo Rodrigues (Supervisor)