Consecrated virgins/hermits and the selfish single life

[God's Beloved]

There seems to be misunderstanding and seeing disagreement where there is none, or merely a personal opinion which any individual can and should have ( in matters that the Church has left open for discussion).

However like Oremus1 i too often reflect on the question of holiness of a candidate vs skills and talents.  It is true that most of the Founders who are declared Saints would be rejected by their own Institutes if they tried to join them today!  Think of St. Francis of Assisi.  If a candidate behaves as scandalously as he did when he quit his home, a Vocation Director today would classify him as 'mad'!

I do understand this tension between the Ideal and the Real.  Ideally we should have candidates who are holy like the Virgin Mary and the Virgin-martyrs, without much formal training.  But practically speaking, I have known CVs who have suffered immensely due to lack of formation.  e.g.  I know a CV who received consecration in her fifties without formation.  Nice, simple woman of faith although she was a bit selfish too.  She used to teach Catechism and  within two months of her consecration  the Parish priest just told her " Your services are not required".  She broke down so completely with Depression that since more than ten years she is sick and confined to her home.  Would her life have been different if she had taken private vows instead?

I try to caution candidates because I know what CVs are going through.

[Sponsa-Christi]

Another thought---it might also be helpful to start a new thread when someone wants to discuss a new topic on consecrated virginity, instead of just taking on different conversations to a thread on a different issue. (For example, I think we could have an interesting and useful conversation on "should CVs study for theology degrees?" that might provide some helpful opinions and perspectives to a CV candidate or discerner.) 

[BarbTherese]

Initiated a thread into the Debate Forum http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/topic/137191-the-sacred-secular/?do=findComment&comment=2722401