Ad Honorem Immaculatae Conceptionis Mariae Oblatio

66 Tomasz Sekulski MIC Religious consecration: its specificity and the newest theological approaches For a long time, Catholic theology has attempted to grasp this form of life which was initiated by Jesus Christ through His incarnation, and which, influenced by the Holy Spirit, gradually developed over the centuries into various forms of “consecrated life” (cf. VC 29) as we call it today. Amidst various categories, such as a more faithful following of Christ, a more radical evangelical life, a life and mission in accordance with the received charism, a life according to the evangelical counsels, a prophetic life, the way and state of perfection, it is the “consecrated life” that has been recognized by the Magisterium of the Church as the most adequate . However, consecration is an extremely broad issue in theology. It concerns things and persons, and may have a sacramental or a non-sacramental di- mension. In regard to the religious, its essence has sometimes aroused a lot of ambiguity and it has demanded a clear, precise interpretation. Moreover, while attempting to present religious consecration in the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church and in the latest theological ap- proaches, it is necessary to appreciate the methodological problems faced by the theology of the consecrated life. Religious life as such is a historical and theological reality. As a phenomenon that originated in the Church, it requires a theological interpretation, in addition to grasping all its diver- sity. Therefore, it is worthwhile focusing on the path presently being taken by the teaching of the Church. For a broader understanding of the matter of religious consecration, it would be good to conclude with a look at some new theological approaches and suggested supplements. The Bible as the basis for understating religious consecration Our topic is based on a proper understanding of the essence of conse- cration, developed on a solid biblical foundation. The Old Testament con- text of the topic of consecration already drew attention to the existence of