Vocation Information

Reflections on the Glenmary Oath

Focus: Commitment to Poverty

I have woven together words on this topic from our Oath (in red) with quotes from individual Glenmarians (bulleted) and some commentary to tie it all together. The entire text of the Glenmary Oath is in the sidebar to the right. —Father Steve Pawelk, Vocation Director

I am aware that the Glenmary way of life commits me to a special practice of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer.

Here are how some Glenmarians experience the evangelical counsel of poverty:

• “Poverty is very hard to explain and live, but I see it as a way of not ‘clinging’ more than not just having; living simply no matter what the external circumstances.” (Brother Terry O’Rouke)

• “Poverty calls me to be careful in small ways: i.e., not using extra water, seeking bargains, not buying more than I need right now.” (Father John Garvey)

• “The oath to poverty reminds me that all gifts are from the Lord, that we are actually stewards of God’s gifts. All this helps me identify with the people in their poverty and my witness now becomes acceptable and relevant to them.” (Father Joe Dean)

Share your reflection by e-mailing comments to Father Steve Pawelk at spawelk@glenmary.org. He will periodically add readers' reflections to this file--anonymously, of course, unless you give permission for your name to be used.

To select additional Oath reflectionsCommitment to rural missionary life

Commitment to rural missionary life
Commitment to the evangelical counsel of chastity (celibacy)
Commitment to the evangelical counsel of obedience
Commitment to the evancelical counsel of prayer
Commitment to fraternity
Retrun to Oath overview