The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has stressed that consecration to God is not merely symbolic, but is deeply transformative. According to the Archbishop, it requires a complete surrender of self, marked by three essential vows: Obedience, poverty, and chastity. These vows, he noted, serve as visible signs of an unwavering trust in God and a willingness to live entirely for Him. The prelate made this declaration in an address marking the World Day for Consecrated Life which also coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, held at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos, last Sunday.
He said, “We see what it means to consecrate oneself to God, first in obedience, then in poverty and in chastity as we realise that we are gifts from God and we do not have enough to give back to God, so we give ourselves. “As consecrated men and women, you have dedicated your lives to following Christ more closely, and your witness is a powerful reminder to us all that true hope is not based on human circumstances, but on the promises of Christ. “Consecrated life indeed, is a gift to the Church, a reminder that our ultimate goal is not the things of this world, but the kingdom of heaven. Your various apostolates help us to believe in the dignity of every human person, and to work tirelessly for a world that is more hopeful, more just, more peaceful, and more loving.”
Archbishop Martins enjoined the consecrated men and women to embrace their vocation with renewed vigour, hold onto hope, and be persistent in being witnesses to Christ. He highlighted that through their faith, perseverance, and trust in God, they can inspire countless others to journey in hope, even when faced with adversity. Hope, the Shepherd reminded, is not just an abstract concept but a way of life, deeply rooted in the promises of God. He stressed that with the Cross as their symbol and Christ as their guide, consecrated individuals can move forward with confidence, knowing that their mission is a vital one in today’s world. Acknowledging the trials faced by religious men and women, he urged them to find strength in the very core of their faith.
In his words, “We are aware that consecrated life has its own challenges: Spiritual struggles, physical exhaustion, criticism from the world, feelings of loneliness and isolation among others. “Be reminded that the cross is a powerful symbol of hope in your lives. It reminds you that your struggles and hardships are not in vain, that they are a sharing in the sufferings of Christ. However, it is exactly in these tough and trying times that you are called to hold onto hope.” Archbishop Martins charged Consecrated Persons not to base their hope on human achievements but on the promises of Christ. He encouraged them to resist discouragement, avoid focusing solely on numbers and efficiency, and to remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
“The hope we speak of does not rely on statistics or achievements, but on the One in whom we have placed our trust, the One for whom nothing is impossible. “This is the hope that does not disappoint, it is the hope that allows consecrated life to continue to write its remarkable history into the future. It is to that future, as you journey, that you must consistently direct your gaze, aware that the Holy Spirit motivates you so that He can still accomplish great things through you. “Therefore, do not succumb to the temptation of viewing growth in terms of numbers and efficiency, and even less to rely on your own strength. “At times, like Elijah and Jonah, you may experience the temptation to abandon your apostolate or vows due to its demanding, tiresome, or seemingly unfruitful nature as well as challenges from within and without. “Be reminded that Christ reassures you as He did with the apostles, ‘I am with you always till the end of time.”
He further urged consecrated individuals to actively engage with the world, proclaim the Gospel, and bring hope to others, rather than being closed in by their struggles. He advised that by so doing, they will find renewal and strength. Archbishop Martins stressed that Consecrated Life is not just about personal devotion, but about being beacons of hope, love, and transformation in a world that is in desperate need of these virtues. “Do not be closed in on yourselves, don’t be discouraged by challenges, don’t remain a hostage to your own challenges. Indeed, they will be resolved if you can, like Christ instructed, go forth and proclaim the Good News and help others to resolve their own problems.
You will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, and love by giving love”, the Archbishop said. Archbishop Martins reminded them of their unique role in both the present and the future of their congregations. He highlighted their responsibility in fostering unity between the outgoing and incoming generations, emphasising the importance of sharing wisdom, experience, and enthusiasm to sustain the mission of the Church. Addressing those in leadership as well as the young and upcoming members of religious congregations, he affirmed that they are not only part of the present, but also the custodians of the future. According to him, their active participation in their communities today shapes the legacy they will pass on tomorrow.
“To those of you that are in leadership as well as those that are young and upcoming, you are the present and the future. You are the present currently taking part in the lives of your various congregations. You are the future of your congregation as you would take on the mantle of leadership and formation of those coming after you. I enjoin you to be the bridge between the generations leaving and the one coming. “In sharing life and experiences with these generations, you learn from each other’s wisdom and insights, and at the same time, your own passion and energy will inspire others to rekindle their original zeal and commitment. In this way, your community will find better ways of living out the Gospel.”
Archbishop Martins stressed that as these religious men and women engage with both the seasoned members of their communities and the younger ones entering religious life, they create an environment of mutual learning. He further stated that the wisdom and experiences of the elder members serve as a foundation, while the energy and passion of the younger generation rekindle zeal and commitment in the community. This intergenerational exchange according to him, strengthens the congregation and enables it to find new ways of living out the Gospel effectively.
