SODALITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF PRIESTS - a new development?

‘Cor ad cor loquitor’

INTRODUCTION

Recently Fr. Richard circulated a note about how we might include lay people in the Sodality, as indicated in the Principles.  It’s a development that’s been on the side-lines but Richard has given it a kick into play and I wanted to take it up and, by God’s grace, see what emerged as I held it for a while.

I’m sure you are aware that, along with the development of the Sodality, I launched a Spiritual Association, rooted in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, offering a simple Rule of Life whose charism has been to express compassion.  It has the Approval of the Bishop of Southwark and we now have 16 Companions, most of whom are priests and including one bishop, and 14 Associates.  Alongside all this

Following writing ‘Enfolded in Christ – The Inner Life of a Priest’ I realised I could have said more about how to live with greater integrity – holiness – and to give greater attention to the call of Christ and the gospel.  Having been a Religious for many years the Franciscan charism is still present and I have been looking at various options and praying for discernment as to the possible way forward.   At present some of those associated with the Sodality have joined other, dispersed communities (Benedictine) and there are some new forms of online ‘Monastic’ life on offer, not least in the Episcopal Church as well as some in the UK (Cistercians – traditional and male and Hopeweavers – new form, for example). 

These elements seem to be related and I wonder if others wonder if the Sodality might explore whether it might provide an ‘umbrella’ under which, for example, an intentional open community might develop which gave expression to aspects of the Sodality charism, was dispersed and rich in catholic spirituality.  I have now spoken with Fr. Richard who noted that such an ‘umbrella’ is provided by the Carmelites and Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus and recommended I put a written proposal to the Sodality Council at the Annual Meeting.

PROPOSAL

That SMMS gather a group of people – lay and ordained – who are interested in developing their baptismal commitment that ‘dying to sin we may live the risen life’ through a committed form of dispersed religious life.

For some this has meant undertaking: the Benedictine vows of obedience, stability and ‘conversatio morum’, variously translated as ‘conversion of manners’ or ‘of life’, whilst non-monastics have expressed their commitment through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  What might be appropriate?  Here are my suggestions:

            Simplicity of life

            Commitment to appropriate relationships

            Conversion of the heart

The Aim of the new Association (?) could reflect that of the Sodality which the Principles state is for:

‘the sanctification of  (Associates – lay or ordained)

through the hearts of Jesus and Mary, for the glory of God, and to nurture God’s Reign.’

Our Principles offer some clear ways for a vowed Association – here are some suggestions: which emerge form these{

Simplicity of life:

            - to contemplatively listen as Mary did (Day 6)

            - to live with generosity, rooted in simplicity of life (Day 10).  This might involve, for example, giving away 5% of one’s disposable income;

Commitment to appropriate relationships

            - we don’t include this so it would be something new to offer;

Conversion of the heart: (This feels most important and could develop Day 18 of the Principles: ‘Called to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary’)

            - to imitate Mary (Day 3) – the one who sought to live by the Divine Will;

            - to live with humility (Day 11).  This is already part of the charism of the Association of the   Hearts of Jesus and Mary but might be developed in ecological ways as well;

            - to live with repentance (Day 12).  This might involve making use of the sacrament of             Reconciliation

            - to live with mercy (Day 13).  Like members of the Association of Compassionate Hearts,       Sodalists already recognise that Compassion expresses God’s love for humanity, and is shown           especially in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

            -  to commit to evangelisation (Day 14).  To reach out to others from the Heart of God and to serve the Reign of God in whatever way might be appropriate to the individual (Day 9).  This    might include a recognition that we are all sisters and brothers with the whole of creation.

CONTEMPATIVE LIVING

The focus of the Sodality on Mary and her place in our life suggests that there might be an emphasis on living contemplatively.  There are few existing ‘new communities’ in the UK (I think Hopeweavers sees itself as contemplative) which are rooted in contemplative living, something which the Carmelite lay communities focus on, so this might be something a new development could be rooted in: contemplative living the gospel – something the Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus emphasise. 

PRAYER

To spend at least 30 mins a day in silent prayer, and to make use of the Examen each day.

To take a retreat each year, either at a Retreat Centre or at home

To make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as conscience requires.

CONCLUSION

These are just some thoughts as to a way forward if SMMS wants to take up this idea of opening up to lay people, an idea which might take the working name of Solitaries of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary’.  It might also help those of us, married, partnered or single, who are looking for a way of committing ourselves to a way that’s rooted in the tradition of Christian religious life.

John-Francis Friendship, Feast of Dame Julian of Norwich 2018