Theological Foundations new file

13 INTRODUCTION In an attempt to meet the hopes and allay the fears of the contempo- rary world, the Second Vatican Council wanted to assist people in find- ing answers to their eternal questions. Therefore, it addressed its mes- sage to all the pilgrims journeying to the Kingdom of the Father. This message is a message of salvation. The world in which we live had fall- en into the bondage of sin, but was liberated by Christ who crushed the power of evil and made it possible for the people to undergo a transfor- mation which leads to the fullness of perfection. The Church wants to bring this truth closer to humankind. Therefore, it enters a dialogue with humankind on various problems and helps the people to resolve them within the light of the Gospel. Thus it leads man to salvation, contributes to the spiritual renewal of society, all the time continuing Christ’s work of salvation (cf. KDK 1-4). The mission of the Church is to help people to shape their lives according to the teaching and example of the Savior by which they will attain unity with God. This teaching is rich in its vari- ety and encompasses all manifestations of religious life which comprise the Christian ethos. 1 Undoubtedly, the greatest role in the shaping of Christian moral attitude was played by religious orders. They provide a special way of living a life of holiness through the practice of the evan- gelical counsels. Such a life is an expression of perfect love and of one’s total dedication to the service of God and others. Religious consecration reveals “an elevation of the Kingdom of God above the mundane and all its most important needs. It also shows all people the great power of the reigning Christ and the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit working miraculously in the Church.” (KK 44). 2 Through the personal sanctity of their members, religious orders enrich God’s Church and become a charismatic sign of eternal good for all. It is these religious orders that fulfill the work of the apostolate on behalf of the Church in various areas of human life and according to the needs of the times; they do it by word, example, prayer, penance and sacrifice. 3 It was usually the spirit of the founder and other prominent members