Returning to the Roots: Rekindling the Flame of Charism through Saints Joachim & Anne

In the ever-evolving journey of religious life, moments of spiritual fervour must be vigilantly protected against fatigue and loss of direction. Across various congregations, there is growing concern over a drifting from the original charism. Increasingly, members are seeking comfort, living individualistically rather than communally, and neglecting the mission entrusted to them—especially in joyful family visits and humble service.

In this context, the lives of Saints Joachim and Anne—the grandparents of Jesus and parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary—provide a timely inspiration to rekindle spiritual vigour and renew commitment.

Through the lens of Sacred Scripture, Church teachings, and the rich tradition of consecrated life, this is a call to return to the roots and restore the radiant vitality of religious vocation.

1. Charism in Crisis: The Need for Spiritual Renewal

The crisis facing many religious congregations today lies not in a lack of activity but in a loss of identity. For communities born for prayer, service, and outreach, the signs of individualism, comfort-seeking, and disconnection from community life point to spiritual weariness. The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life warns that “infidelity to the founding charism leads to spiritual sterility” (Starting Afresh from Christ, 2002). This moment calls religious men and women to re-examine their fidelity to their founding mission and recover the freshness of their first calling.

2. Saints Joachim and Anne: Models of Quiet Faithfulness

Though little is revealed in Scripture, Saints Joachim and Anne are venerated as exemplary parents and faithful followers of God’s law. Their holiness was lived in the hiddenness of ordinary life—through prayer, service, and raising the Virgin Mary in the ways of the Lord. They quietly model fidelity and communion with God.

3. Saint Anne: The Spiritual and Maternal Ideal

Saint Anne stands as a patron of women and mothers—an ideal figure for all consecrated women. Like her, Sisters are called not only to serve but to form—to shape souls through prayer, example, and the gift of self. Today’s neglect of family visits and softened apostolic zeal in some quarters signals a detachment from the very heart of religious charism.

4. Recovering Community Life: The 'Domestic Church' Model

One of the great gifts of Saints Joachim and Anne was their holy home—often called the first domestic Church. Community life must likewise be a place where religious live in love, correct with charity, support, forgive, and encourage one another in Christ. Pope Francis has noted, “Fraternity is the first message that consecrated life offers the world” (Audience to Religious Superiors, 2014). Imitating Anne and Joachim means building a spiritual family—one rooted in shared prayer, mission, and love.

5. Revisiting the Charism: Returning to the Founding Spirit

Religious charisms are born in deep personal prayer, simplicity of life, and availability to the Church. Reinvigorating communal prayers, re-reading the Constitutions, reflecting on the lives of early members, and re-engaging in pastoral work can help rekindle the “first love” (Revelation 2:4–5). “Let us never forget that who we are should matter more than what we do. We are Sisters; we are mothers; we are missionaries.”

6. A Church That Goes Forth: Learning from Pope Francis

Pope Francis warns of “spiritual worldliness wrapped in religious appearances” (Evangelii Gaudium, 93). He calls religious men and women to be “missionary disciples,” ready to leave comforts and encounter Christ on the peripheries. This means embracing family visits, renewing bonds with the suffering, and reviving the mission to the poor—an outward movement that reflects the quiet apostolate of Saints Joachim and Anne.

7. A Grace-Filled Invitation to Reignite the Flame

“To restore the joy of your salvation, O Lord” (Psalm 51:12) must become the prayer rising from every consecrated heart. Though hidden in Scripture, Saints Joachim and Anne model generational fidelity that shaped salvation history. The way forward is not innovation alone—but remembrance, recovery, and renewal.

This reflection is a clarion call: reawaken the charism, renew the spirit of service, and rebuild the joy of community life.

Questions for Self-Reflection:

• In what ways have I personally drifted from the founding charism of my Congregation, and how can I return to it?
• How can the model of Saints Joachim and Anne inspire a deeper sense of community, prayer, and mission in our religious life today?

Let us entrust this journey of renewal to Saints Joachim and Anne, and walk with them on the path of communion, service, and holiness.

By Fr. Valerian Lobo

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