What is consecration?

---

  "The life consecrated to God is characterized by the public profession of the Evangelical Councils of poverty, chastity and obedience, in a stable state of life recognized by the Church. ...  The person who surrenders himself to the God he loves above all else consecrates himself more intimately to God's service and to the good of the whole Church "CCC 944,945.

     Through marriage, widows have experienced putting the other before  oneself.  We have experienced loss and by the grace of God, have decided to channel the love, originally given to the other in marriage, now completely to God. Our grief turns into compassion, and our lives are now given in service to the people of God. We come to this service with wisdom of life, experience of suffering and joy, a history of nurturing, and a deeper understanding of His great love. Our hands and minds are used to work. The varied talents that God has given us  along the ways of our lives,  we gladly offer back to Him to do with as He wills. We are ready to love as He wants us to love.

      The poverty we promise is a poverty of spirit.  We are instruments in His hands. Regarding worldly goods, we live simply, but each individual is self supporting.  We remain as generous as possible with our worldly goods.

      Obedience consists in our promise to follow the will of God, to listen to Him, and to follow His commandments; then be faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Holy Father, and the bishops.  Our actions and words shall reflect faithfulness to the Church.

       Chastity, for us, signifies making a vow of celibacy for the rest of our lives.  We embrace continence, and a style of life that is modest in word and in dress, as is fitting for one committed to God.

 What is in our hearts is a strong desire to belong to Our Lord and to live with and for Him and His Church.