Ad Honorem Immaculatae Conceptionis Mariae Oblatio

77 dance of interpretative keys or suggestions emphasizing some important element that gives consecration a special character. Voices were also heard commenting on the danger of various types of reductionism. It is worth- while therefore, to look at the most important proposals for new theologi- cal approaches, without engaging in a discussion. To start, it is necessary to recall some voices expressing some sort of distancing from the discussion on religious consecration . In the work of certain authors who represent the world of monasticism (especially its Eastern kind), this issue is even absent. These authors often proffer the view that the identity of a religious can be expressed in an uncomplicated way: he is a Christian simply living by the radicalism and integrity of the Gospel. It is too much for the theology of consecrated persons to empha- size their uniqueness. 10 Moreover, it should be emphasized that religious consecration is an act that touches the essence of the person’s identity . The consecration of man is a participation in the consecration of Christ. It is not some external accessory or assignment of a function in the Church and the world. 11 It is related in the first place to the depth of the person’s “being” and not to his actions. It is noteworthy that the religious themselves, when asked about who they are, often begin their explanations by itemizing their works and their occupations. It is also worth mentioning that discussions on the es- sence of the consecration of religious persons (especially women), contain an emphasis on the nuptial nature of this act. This clearly shows that a vo- cation is a union of persons born out of love and for love, that it is a kind of nuptials. For indeed, God’s love for man and man’s for God is at the heart of consecration. One of the most extensive systems of understanding religious conse- cration is the ecclesiological-sacramental perspective seen in three in- terrelated aspects: the theology of covenant, the theology of the sac- ramental system, and pneumatology . 12 The covenant aspect emphasizes a kind of association between the Consecrator and the consecrated person, Vita Apostolica, Consecratio et consecratio per evangelica consilia . Atti del Seminario Internazio- nale. Roma 1-3 marzo 2018 , op. cit., pp. 137-161. 10 See E. Bianchi, Non siamo migliori. La vita religiosa nella Chiesa, tra gli uomini , Edizioni Qiqajon, Magnano 2002. 11 See G. Ghirlanda, I significati del termine “consacrazione” nel CIC 1983, op. cit., pp. 40-41. 12 See J.C.R. García Paredes, La “consacrazione carismatica” , in: Congregazione per gli Isti- tuti di Vita Consacrata e le Società di Vita Apostolica, Consecratio et consecratio per evangelica consilia . Atti del Seminario Internazionale. Roma 1-3 marzo 2018 , op. cit., pp. 169-185.