Vows

Poverty 

For Augustinians, the vow of poverty entails a communal sharing of resources, renouncing personal ownership, and living simply, modeled after the early Christian community described in Acts 4:32-37, to focus on spiritual growth and service to others. The vow of poverty is seen as an invitation to follow Jesus by renouncing earthly goods for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

• We strive to live simply, focusing on our spiritual mission rather than material possessions. 
• The vow of poverty allows us to experience and identify with the poor and suffering, and to dedicate our resources to serving the needs of others. 
• The vow of poverty is not about deprivation, but about recognizing that God is the true wealth of the human heart and seeking to live in dependence on God's providence.

Chastity

For Augustinians, the vow of chastity is a commitment to a life of celibacy, a spiritual choice that allows individuals to dedicate themselves fully to God and serve others. It embodies a prophetic witness to a life of total union with God. 

• For CLW, Chastity is a virtue that involves controlling one's thoughts and actions related to sexuality, and is seen as a way to express love and respect for oneself and others. 
• Chastity also involves fidelity and loyalty to one's spouse and ensuring that sexual relations are reserved for committed relationships.

Obedience 

For Augustinians, the vow of obedience signifies a dedication to God's will, lived out through listening, trusting, and serving their brothers and sisters in community, rather than a mere submission to authority. The vow of obedience is seen as a way to follow Christ, who was obedient to the Father, and to seek God's will in all things. It involves trusting that God works through the community and its superiors, and that their assignments reflect God's will. 

• The vow of obedience is not about passively following orders, but about seeking the will of God in all things, which can involve dialogue and discernment with superiors about one's interests, abilities, hopes, and fears. 
• When lived in a spirit of love and trust, obedience is not burdensome, but rather a path to greater love and union with God.