Looking Backward, Looking Forward

Abstract

This view was offered in January 2011, by the Indian brother Philip Pinto, who heads the Congregation of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. ² While it provides sobering food for thought, he was speaking specifically in relation to Catholic teaching religious brothers only. In the context of the overall history of religious orders within the Catholic Church, this particular group is of recent origin. ³ Thus, while their future may not be assured, it is important to view recent developments in context and to point out that it certainly does not mean we are witnessing the disappearance of a great number of other religious orders.

Religious life, as we know it, is over, or dying across the world. I’m more than ever convinced of it. In some parts of the world it is just over. There is absolutely no one joining.¹