In order to give themselves entirely to the evangelizing activity, and at the same time fulfil their ideal of perfection, based on their charism, the heralds of the Gospel, while remaining in the lay state, live in community, submitting to an Ordo of Customs, practicing the evangelical counsels of chastity, obedience and poverty while living a celibate life.
However, there are also many who feel called by grace to sanctify themselves and live in accordance with the spirituality, charism, and mission of the Heralds of the Gospel, and yet the obligations of their state of life do not permit a total dedication, thus necessitating other forms of membership in the Association. Over time, there developed different groups within this ecclesial movement known as Companions, Apostles or Tertiaries, comprising a special branch, inspired by the organization of certain religious Orders.
According to the Statutes of the Heralds of the Gospel, these Companions are those who, “while they identify themselves with the spirit of the Association, due to their priestly duties, or because they belong to an institute of consecrated life or a society of apostolic life, or due to their professional or family obligations, cannot give themselves fully to the work of the Association” (Statute 9).
Therefore, as married or single lay people living in the world, priests, deacons, religious, lay people of consecrated life or members of other associations or ecclesiastical movements, the Companions of the Heralds of the Gospel, besides observing the precepts and duties proper to their state in life, make an effort to live in conformity with the charism and spirituality of the Association, dedicating their free time to it and committing themselves to fulfill certain obligations.
They desire to apply to their daily life — in their family circles, during social activities and in the workplace — the spirit and teaching of the Heralds of the Gospel, being witnesses of Christ to their neighbor by both word and example.
The primary objective of the Association, according to its Statutes, consists in “being an instrument of sanctity in the Church, helping its members to respond generously to the calling of the fullness of the Christian life and the perfection of charity, favoring and encouraging the greatest unity between daily life and the faith”, and uniting itself to the efforts of all Catholics to participate “in the salvific mission of the Church through apostolate, to which they are destined by the Lord, in virtue of Baptism and Confirmation”, being especially active “in favor of the Christian evangelization, sanctification and animation of the temporal realities” (Statute 1).
To belong to a true ecclesial vanguard, in order to, at the dawn of the Third Millennium, contribute toward the re-Christianization of society and the establishment of the Reign of Christ, is the ardent desire of each herald of the Gospel, who has confidence in the victory of the Church of Christ.
“We do not know what the new millennium has in store for us”, stated Pope John Paul II, “but we are certain that it is safe in the hands of Christ, the ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 35).
They want to contribute towards bringing about the consecratio mundi, in other words, the Christianization of the temporal order to which John XXIII referred (Cf. Mater et Magistra, 214), a most important task of the laity in the New Evangelization.
In order to fulfill this mission, they spare no efforts, placing all their resources at the service of the Church, applying their intelligence and imagination to the most diverse activities, proclaiming the Gospel to all social classes, being active in parishes, homes and schools, in professional, cultural and sportive ambiences, on television and radio, in slums, hospitals, asylums and prisons, anywhere it is possible to bring a word of consolation, encouragement or hope.
Inasmuch as his duties and way of life permit, the Apostle or Companion also takes part in these activities, led by those whom the superiors designate.
At the same time, like any herald of the Gospel, they know that all their efforts will be useless, if their hearts are not intimately united to Jesus and Mary, for the interior life is the soul of the apostolate.
The pillars of the spirituality of the Heralds of the Gospel are represented in their emblem: the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin and the Roman Pontiff.
In the Sacred Host they seek the necessary strength not to falter in the path leading to the perfection of charity, and to courageously give witness to the Gospel.
Towards the most Holy Virgin they cultivate a filial piety, knowing that she is the best way to reach Christ. Following the Christ-centred and Marian school of St. Louis de Montfort, they consecrate themselves as slaves of love to Jesus through the hands of Mary.
It is through fidelity to the Pope, our Sweet Christ on earth and infallible master of Faith and Morals, that their Catholic heart best expresses their love for the Church.
The life of piety and participation in the liturgy of the Church are integral parts of their spiritual life, the lifeblood of sanctity and of the apostolate.
They are zealous in cultivating contemplation, custody of the heart and mental prayer, and they offer all their actions, even the most insignificant or inadvertent, as praise and supplication.
In the practice of Christian virtue, they place special emphasis on vigilance in avoiding occasions of sin.
They humbly strive to willingly obey their superiors, never seeking personal promotion.
They strive to practice purity of mind and body, which is reflected in their gaze, behaviour, manner of dressing and their pristine appearance.
Furthermore, they practice detachment from the goods of this earth, which they make use of solely for the greater glory of God.
The Ordo of Customs of the Heralds of the Gospel — composed of rules compiled over the years, from the habitual practices of daily life — constitutes a fundamental aid in the journey toward perfection, according to their charism, spirituality and mission. It helps them live in an ambience of fraternal charity, discipline and sacrality, seeking to wisely harmonize contemplation with action, prayer with apostolate, recollection and study with the commitment they have assumed of giving public Christian testimony.
Without prejudicing the duties of state — whether familial, professional or social —the Companion seeks to adapt his life to the spirituality of the Heralds of the Gospel.
For further information contact:
The Heralds of the Gospel
29 Lower Teddington Road
Hampton Wick
Surrey KT1 4 EU
Tel.: (44) 20 8943 4159
lumenmaria@aol.com
No comments:
Post a Comment