Marianist Vocation Office at PO Box 50504, 00200 Nairobi - City Square, Nairobi Province 00200 KE - 2. What is a Brother?
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| A Religious Brother is, first of all, NOT a seminarian, or someone who has failed to complete his studies for priesthood! That is a common belief, but it is totally incorrect! |
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| A Religious Brother is recognized by the Church as a man who has joined a Religious Congregation in the Church, and made certain specific vows to God. It has nothing whatever to do with priesthood. |
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The vows -- public promises to God made in a solemn ceremony -- are normally these three:
Poverty
-- The promise not to claim anything for oneself; to depend on God for one's needs; to renounce the gathering of wealth for oneself or one's family; and to remain free of worry about material things.
Chastity
-- The promise to focus on God alone, and not to marry or otherwise have sexual activities; to remain free of other commitments in order to serve only God and to be available for whatever He may ask.
Obedience
-- The promise to allow oneself to be led by God through the leaders of the Congregation; not to insist on one's own preferences; to remain free of one's own whims and ready to go and do whatever is asked. |
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| The Marianists, then, are all Religious Brothers, although some members are also ordained priests. |
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