The following homily was presented by Rev. Francis Mawn, Institute of the Heart of Jesus, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the pontifical establishment of secular institutes:

The Holy Father in his encyclical "Evangelium Vitae," "The Gospel of Life," points to the growing culture of death, the threat to human life and dignity. This is certainly one of the outstanding 'signs of the times.' Luke in the l2th chapter of his gospel, addresses himself to the urgency of the kingdom and the signs of it's coming. We know that the kingdom is present and yet to come.

It may seem that clouds of darkness are enveloping the world. Paul VI said to members of secular institutes: 

"The world believes that it can stand on its own two feet, and it so has no need of divine grace or of the Church in its self-development and expansion. A tragic divorce has come about between faith and life, between the two lines of progress, technology on the one hand, faith in the living God on the other .... that the most serious problem in current development is that of the relationship of the natural and supernatural order." (25th Anniversary of PME, 1972, #10)

But we are not without hope for we know that God's will conquers in the end. In the meantime what do we do? We do what we're supposed to do, i.e. act as a leaven in society. Perhaps it was especially for this era or "saeculum," that the Spirit raised up secular institutes. The apostolic constitution Provida Mater Ecclesia, issued fifty years ago, notes that

"The effectiveness of Institute life in the Christian renewal of families, of secular professions, of society in general, through people's daily contact, from the inside of the secular scene, with lives perfectly and totally dedicated to God's sanctifying work in them is obvious." (#l 9)

On the 25th anniversary of the apostolic constitution, Pope Paul VI wrote,

"Now what was the original inspiration of secular institutes? .... It was a longing, a search, deep and preoccupying, for a synthesis, a way of life combining the two characteristic features of your way of life: full consecration according to the evangelical counsels and freedom to take on the responsibility of a presence and transforming action in the world, from the inside, to shape it, to make it a better world, to sanctify it." (#6)

Have we as members of secular institutes helped to make a better world, to build up the Kingdom of God? Yes! Perhaps our efforts have only left seeds, but they are planted, awaiting the moment when the grace of God causes them to grow and blossom. In living out our baptismal commitment in the radical way of the evangelical counsels, we focus our lives on the Kingdom and the Kingdom's Lord. In imitation of the Lord we share in the joys and hopes of others, serving our brothers and sisters in ways the Lord directs us. We stand in solidarity with all people, especially society's outcasts. And in many ways, perhaps without even realizing it, we invite others to live in the fullness of God's Kingdom, here and now, to extend God's reign over all hearts. The daily living out of our consecration in the "saeculum" may not be so glorious. But we move forward bravely, not allowing the storm clouds to upset us as we do God's will. For as St. Jane de Chantal once wrote,

"At a time of radical change it is impossible for nature not to be upset. But this interior peace, this unwavering dependence on God, these inspirations--slight as they seem--which assure you without words that you are solidly planted where God wants you, all these are infallible signs of the reign of God within you."

As a Conference we commemorate the promulgation of Provida Mater Ecclesia, called by John Paul II a document marked by prophetic inspiration. But more than a document, we celebrate with joy the 50th anniversary of the official recognition and canonical establishment of this very special form of consecrated life we call secular institute. We give thanks to God that we are solidly planted where God wants us to be, preparing for the coming of the Kingdom in its fullness.

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