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Spirit and Life of the RNDMs, Central Province, Pre-Vatican II
In the Pre-Vatican II period, the sisters in the RNDM Indian Province followed a rigid form of spirituality, reflecting the other provinces of our congregation. We lived within the frame work of the Rule of St. Augustine, given priority to the observance of the Rule and Tradition. Community life was Hierarchical, authoritarian and Semi-cloistered. Everything was shared in common, in other words common life was given more stress. Food and the manner of dining were completely in western style. The term my or mine is used only for beds. The sisters were to pay great attention to holy habit. While clothing themselves with the habit, they were to recite a prayer for each article. Practice of virtues in daily life was stressed so as to live constantly in the presence of God and right motivation in everything one does was highly emphasized in community life. The early local sisters were treated as lay sisters. They were not given blue braid. They were mainly employed for manual work, and not offered an opportunity to receive further education. Those sisters who had completed their education at home were treated as choir sisters. The candidates made supreme sacrifice at the time of departure from their home for there was no opportunity offered to return home for a visit or holiday. Once a month they were permitted to send a letter to their parents. Outgoing and incoming letters were read by the superiors. The sisters were not allowed to accept or receive any personal gifts. Hair was not shown. Formation was very strict, firm and full of challenges. There was no opportunity for explanation and the practice of humility was highly recommended. The two main Languages used in day to day life were Latin, for prayer and English as medium of communication. The Candidates were encouraged to learn the then local language Urdu for better communication with the local people. The Apostolate was Institutional mainly provided in schools and hostels. Prayer life was very structured and timetabled. The Chapel was built in a monastic way, with predium, chairs and stalls all set in their proper places. The sisters prayed in choir. An emphasis was placed on common prayer. The Divine Office was recited morning, mid-day, evening and at night. Spiritual reading was compulsory. Grand Silence was strictly observed and was the norm of life. Avoidance of all un-necessary speaking was demanded from the members of the community. There was very little time allotted for recreation. Exercise of external Penance was imposed, for the sisters to carry out for the salvation of souls. Religious life was visible in Holy habit. Uniformity was given prior importance and was the mark of Religious life. White cloths were used for night dresses, bed sheets, curtains etc. Poverty was visible in food, clothing, study, mode of travel, work etc.The motto of poverty was “ask nothing and refuse nothing” Chastity demanded having no particular friendships, little contact with opposite sex, going out in twos to protect the vow of chastity. Obedience meant asking permissions, having a subject-superior relationship like Very Rev. Mother/ Rev. Mother and your humble and little child. Doing the will of the superior was to be understood as doing the will of God. Blind obedience to the superior was the way of sanctity. |
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