Consecrated Men

Who are Consecrated Men?

Consecrated men dedicate their entire lives to God and his Church by professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. By membership in a specific congregation, they have a special charism. There are two main forms of consecrated life for men:

• Religious priests who, as ordained ministers living in community, bring Christ to others through the sacraments, preaching, prayer and service to humanity in accordance with each community's specific charisms; and
• Religious brothers who serve Christ and his Church through the profession of vows and lives devoted to prayer and ministry.

A small number of men also live consecrated lives as hermits, a ministry of prayer and reflection secluded from other people and worldly concerns.

Communities of Consecrated Men Serving in the Archdiocese

There are more than 470 consecrated men serving in about 30 communities in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Each community has a special charism.  For more information about the congregations of Men and Women Religious serving in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, click on the Religious Orders - Listing link on the menu at the left of this page.

Life as a Consecrated Man

“God has worked through others” – Fr. Brian Van Hove, SJ

In the 25 years since he was ordained a Jesuit priest, Father Brian Van Hove, S.J., has served as a teacher, spiritual director, hospital chaplain, associate pastor and, presently, a retreat director at White House Retreat Center. In all of these roles, Father Van Hove has experienced God’s fidelity in Church tradition and the sound guidance of others. “The Catholic tradition teaches that grace is mediated, especially through the Blessed Virgin, the Church and the sacraments,” says Father Van Hove. “The older priests and religious, who are now nearly all in the cemetery, mediated to me whatever is good in me. I sometimes feel like the bear in winter who lives off the fat gained during the summer. God has worked through others.”

“Love does such things!” – Br. Warren Longo, CFA

Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., is the postulant director of the Alexian Brothers’ American province and the spiritual care coordinator at Alexian Brothers Community Services, a daycare and medical center for older adults. Brother Warren found his Golden Jubilee to be an opportunity to “publicly acknowledge the faithfulness of God that I’ve experienced in the many people I’ve ministered to and with, including my fellow Brothers and the family and friends who have encouraged, supported and loved me.”

Evidence of God’s fidelity has also helped Brother Warren explain his calling to others. “Years ago, I was challenged by a hospital patient who thought my life as a religious was ‘a senseless waste,’” says Brother. “I responded by saying that the commitment to consecrated life is no more senseless than a God becoming a human person, suffering, dying and rising for us. Love does such things!”

Gift

By Fr. Ralph Wright, OSB

I love you, Lord, for you love me
and therefore was I made.
I long to give up being free
that I may be your slave.

I long to give you everything
that you have given me:
in giving all I find your will
and thereby become free.

To love you, Lord, with all my heart
is freedom, pure, supreme:
in giving this you give me all,
without this all is dream.