Religious no longer feel bound together by the ties of the vows and mutual commitment. There is a new freedom that fills the soul with the cold chill of indifference to each other, to the aged and sick members, to the apostolate and to retirement. Disappointment and heartache dig deep into some hearts while others fear the future of the order they loved so dearly. Confusion over priorities and values causes dissension, and complicated solutions produce burdens too heavy to carry. The constant changing of theological views and opinions shake whatever semblance of stability remains.
Vocations begin to waver.
Hard-hearted rebellion against good changes or necessary modifications causes untold harm. The religious family loses togetherness and the sense of belonging. The Family Spirit in our souls will result in ennobling and building up the family spirit in our life at home, in our community, in our parish and nation. In proportion as we are alienated from the family spirit in our soul, in that degree we are at enmity with our brother. Our relationship with our neighbor will be either close, distant or indifferent.