October 30, 2026

2026 Vocations Awareness Supplement

ArchIndy Vox podcast explores Vatican II vision for religious life

Criterion staff report

ArchIndy Vox pocast logoEver wonder what religious sisters and brothers promise when they profess vows? Or how their communities have changed since the Second Vatican Council?

The latest episode of ArchIndy Vox’s series on the council takes up “Perfectae Caritatis,” the Latin title of Vatican II’s “Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life,” issued in 1965.

Host Ken Ogorek, executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis, talks with Benedictine Sister Sheila Fitzpatrick of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove and Holy Cross Brother Matt Rehagen, who teaches religion and math at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis.

They unpack the document’s call to return to the sources—Scripture, the spirit of each community’s founder and the tradition of the Church—and adapt that heritage to the times.

They also explore why the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are less a list of “no’s” than a wholehearted “yes” to God; how discernment unfolds in community, illustrated by stories of the strict, regimented life religious sisters knew before the council; what makes a founder’s charism unique, from the Benedictine rhythm of prayer and work to Holy Cross’ vision of education as a work of the resurrection; and why both guests see a joyful future for consecrated life.

The discussion is a good entry point for anyone curious about what Vatican II said and wondering whether God might be calling them to religious life.

Listen on any major podcast platform or watch on the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ YouTube channel by searching @IndianaCatholic. †

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