RELIGIOUS LIFE IN THE ORIENTATIONS OF THE CHURCH: THE CHALLENGES OF FORMATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Although expressed in different manner, the Consecrated life is often presented, essentially, as a beautiful and   precious treasure, a calling and way of life rooted in our baptismal vocation and founded on the Triune God. The desire of those who are called is to follow Jesus Christ more closely by loving and serving God and fellow human persons, according to the spirit and charism of the Founder/Foundress. In order to faithfully achieve this aim, the Institutes of Consecrated life endeavour to form or educate is members. The Church has constantly showed concern and encouraged the formation of consecrated persons.  She offers guidelines and directives in response to new questions and emerging difficulties, and changing situations both in the Church and in society. The article presents some orientations of the Church and, then, the challenges that face formation in religious life in an African country (Nigeria) today. Notwithstanding the real challenges,   the formation in consecrated life is a call to commitment and witness to Christ in the church and in the world today.