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On Contemplatives. . .
by Pope John Paul II
Silent, separated life is a leaven of renewal and of the presence of the Spirit of Christ in the world. That is why the (Vatican) Council said that "contemplative women religious keep a quiet eminent place in the Mystical Body of Christ, and bring forth most abundant fruits of holiness; they are an honor and example to the People of God, to which they give increase with mysterioius apostolic fecundity."
The Lord who chose you (contemplatives), by identifying you with his Paschal mystery, unites you with himself in his work of sanctifying the world. This ought to be every day’s prospect of faith and spiritual joy: for him, with him, and in him. So, have no doubt in this regard, one day, in the name of Christ, the Church took possession of all your capacity for living and loving. That was the meaning of your monastic profession. Renew it frequently! In so doing, you follow the example of the saints. Consecrate yourselves, immolate yourselves more each time without even asking to know how God uses your collaboration.
Your virginal fecundity ought to be situated in the midst of the universal Church and your particular churches. Your monasteries can also be centers of Christian welcome for those persons, young persons especially, who are often in search of a simple, open life, in contrast with that which the consumer society offers them. I make an appeal to Christian communities and their pastors, reminding them of the indispensable place of the contemplative life in the Church. We all should value and esteem the dedication of contemplatives’ souls to adoration, praise and sacrifice. They are prophetesses and living teachers to all; they are the Church’s vanguard on the road to the Kingdom.
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