Consecrated Life

Those living the consecrated life are women and men religious who have professed the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a response to God’s call to be of service to the people of God and a sign of God’s love. The Archdiocese of San Francisco is blessed to have women and men religious representing more than 60 Congregations serving in a variety of ministries, sharing their spirituality and living in community.

Some religious communities serve God through meditation, prayer and solitude. These groups are known as contemplative or "cloistered" orders. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called nuns and the men are called monks.

Other religious communities are known as "active" or Apostolic orders/congregations. These are active in the world, serving others in a variety of ministries/apostolates. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called Sisters and the men are called Brothers unless they are ordained priests.

Other forms of consecrated life include those called to be hermits to live in seclusion from the world, in solitude, prayer, and penance, in praise of God and for the salvation of others.  Another form is that of consecrated virgins who dedicate their lives to God while continuing to live in the world.  They continue with their career and ordinarily live independently.

Each religious order or congregation has its own special charism which forms its identity and mission. The charism envisioned by the founder or foundress is the motivating spirit that is the heart of the religious order or congregation. Due to the variety of charisms, each religious order or congregation has a unique identity, mission, spirituality, and set of guidelines for living.

Council of Religious for the Archdiocese of San Francisco

In solidarity with all those who have expressed outrage at the virulent attacks against persons who are discriminated against; in solidarity with all those who non-violently stand with their brothers and sisters of color; in solidarity with all those who pray for an end to violence against all marginalized people, we, members of the Council of Religious for the Archdiocese of San Francisco urge all to see and respect “the spark of the Divine” in all persons.
 
In particular, the Council of Religious condemns the brutal killing of George Floyd, and so many others, at the hands of police officers.  We are horrified at the brutality and constant harassment to which black men and women are subjected, as well as the denial of full rights and dignity that people of color too often experience.  This has to stop.  
 
As people who believe that we are all created in the image of God, we must raise up justice, peace, and the respect of each person's life.  We must become aware and work to change the inequities that the pandemic and the recent murders have unveiled.  We must eliminate the systemic racism that permeates every aspect of our nation.
 
Working with all people of good will, we commit to acting in every way possible to bring the change that is necessary so that all of our brothers and sisters can live in the liberty and justice promised to all.  It is long past time to dismantle white privilege and rededicate ourselves to building God’s beloved community.
 
Sister Celeste Arbuckle, SSS                                    Sister Antonio Heaphy, PBVM
Sister Diane Aruda, OP-MSJ                                    Sister Pat Hunter, SNJM
Sister Judith Benkert, OP-Adrian                             Sister Carla Kovack, OP-SR
Sister Eva Camberos, MFP                                      Sister Jeanette Lombardi, OSU
Sister Rosina Conrotto, PBVM                                 Sister Teresa Malave, VDMF
Sister Jean Marie Fernandez, RGS                           Sister Katie O’Shea, CSJ
Sister Mary Greenan, FMA                                      Sister Nancy O’Shea, SNDdeN
Sister Gladys Guenther, SHF                                    Sister Mary Soher, OP-Adrian
Sister Patsy Harney, RSM