Earlier this fall, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio invited members of the secular institutes in the diocese to the Chancery Office for a special liturgy and luncheon to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life. Among those present were the Apostolic Oblates, Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute, Caritas Christi, Don Bosco Volunteers, Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ and Voluntas Dei.

These institutes are comprised of single lay men and women, and also some priests, who make a commitment to live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. Their goal is to be a transforming presence in society, often in an anonymous way, as they carry out their professional careers. The members of each institute meet regularly for prayer, community sharing and other matters related to their institutes.

To learn more information about secular institutes, and serving God in this way, call Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, S.C., at 718-399-5951.