Religious Life

In 1954, when Sister Jean Frances, O.F., was completing her studies at Dominican College, she submitted a dissertation on the vow of chastity. This was the first step in a project being undertaken by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross. The plan called for a similar study of the vow of poverty, another for the vow of obedience, and another which would supply background material for all the foregoing. In 1956 Sister Mary Leo, O.P., produced the thesis on poverty. Five years later, Sister Mary Aquinas, O.P., was ready with her dissertation on obedience, and now in these pages the background material is presented. The material of the present study is organized into three units, the first of which explores the concept of Christian perfection. The obligation incumbent on all to strive for perfection is dwelt upon. Ways and means of arriving at perfection are suggested, and obstacles to be encountered along the way are identified