Religious Vocation

"How can I tell whether or not I have a religious vocation?" Many young Catholics agonize over discerning a vocation, because they (or their spiritual directors) have been led to believe that such a calling is uncommon, rare, or extraordinary, requiring an introspective search for some special inner voice or attraction in the inmost depths of the heart. The tradition of the Church-given a perfect expression in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas whom the author of this work especially follows-shows a different, more serene, and more secure path: the evangelical counsels are open to all. Christ invites those who are willing and able. Entering religious life is about the individual's decision: all that is needed is a willing heart and a lack of habitual attachment to serious sin that impedes the gift of oneself to God. Though Fr. Butler deals primarily with vocations to the religious life, he also gives the classic guidelines on priestly vocations, including indications of fitness and unfitness. The message of this book will be very surprising but also extremely liberating to many generous souls wanting to explore a supernatural vocation.

"I stumbled upon this book in my junior year in college. Reading it recalled a scene from my boyhood, when I saw my nearly-blind three-year-old sister put on glasses for the first time. Her eyes grew large. She looked and looked and looked. She smiled. The fuzzy world of 'religious vocation' and 'discernment' doesn't have to be fuzzy. Read and enjoy." -Fr. Peter Miller, OSB

"Quickly debunks the theory, prevalent today, that a young person should subject himself to deep self-analysis and prolonged deliberation over a resolve to enter religious life. An excellent book which serves an important purpose, in providing illuminating answers to vexing questions faced by a person trying to ascertain the Divine Will in his life." -Kirkus Reviews

"Brings to the reader an enlightening work in a style that is simple and clear, avoiding a great welter of hairsplitting distinctions. Anyone working in the field of vocational guidance and those giving the least thought to entering the religious life will find this book an invaluable guide." -Dominicana 46(3)