Dear parishioners of Saint Patrick parish Community, in order for all to have a better knowledge of the Vocationist Fathers and Sisters, their spirituality and field of work, we are going to place in the bulletin on a weekly basis for a while the catechism of the Society of Divine Vocations (a.k.a -Vocationist Fathers)
Catechism of the Society of Divine Vocations – ( Chapter Two )
11. Through which of God’s gifts do we achieve Divine Union?
Divine Union is achieved through the gift of the state of grace. The state of grace is inseparable from the acceptance and practice of the supernatural Virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, through which we gain and grow in sanctifying grace, until we reach the Union with the Divine Persons.
12. How do we explain that sanctifying grace brings us into Union with the Divine Nature and the practice of the supernatural Virtues brings us to Union with the Divine Persons?
In accepting and practicing sanctifying grace, we partake of the Divine Nature. In this participation, we achieve Union with Divine Persons through the practice of the Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity), Union with the Divine Perfection through the practice of the Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice Fortitude and Temperance), and Union with Divine Action through the acceptance and implementation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, Fear of Lord).
13. Then, if we are in the state of grace, is the practice of our prayers and works the only necessary thing for the achievement of the Divine Union?
In order to fully implement our apostolate of Divine Union, it is not sufficient simply to be in a state of grace. We must continually strive to keep and deepen this state and teach others to the same.
14. What are the best means, by which one may obtain, maintain and increase the grace that one receives?
The best way by which one may receive, maintain and increase grace, is to receive the Sacraments, which we zealously promote, especially the Sacraments of the Eucharist which we should receive as often as possible. Grace increases also through the practice of the supernatural Virtues, the acceptance and practice of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and- in a very special way- by performing as many acts of love as possible, in all of its many forms.
15. How does one put the program of prayer and apostolate for Divine Union into practice?
In order to put the program of prayer and apostolate for Divine Union into practice, it is necessary to be deeply knowledgeably of this subject and extremely prayerful. This objective can be achieved only if we endeavor to preach every day.
16. How do we display to others this program for the achievement of Divine Union?
By promoting deep study and intense prayerfulness and through the continual use of Homiletics.
17. Are study, prayer, and homiletics simply means for reaching Divine Union, or are they related in some other way to Divine Union?
Study, prayer and homiletics are indeed means by which Divine Union is achieved, however, at least initially, Divine Union takes place in the very practice of these activities.
18. How does this happen?
In our study we unite ourselves to God with our intellect, in prayer we unite ourselves to God with our will, and in homiletics we unite ourselves to God through dialogue.
19. What is the Trinitarian and personal objective of the initial, albeit imperfect union with God?
Through study we unite ourselves in a special way to the Son, through prayer we unite ourselves in a special way to the Holy Spirit, and in homiletics we unite ourselves in a special way to the Father.
20. What purpose is served in all this study, prayer, and preaching?
It all serves the purpose of achieving personal piety, the spreading of Catholic ascetically teaching, and the promotion of the Religious State.