Earlier this year, the Institute on Religious Life (IRL) board of directors elected Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison president of its board.
Bishop Hying has been a longtime friend and supporter of the IRL having served as vice president and episcopal advisory board member for several years before his appointment as Bishop of Gary.
The mission of the Institute on Religious Life is to proclaim and explain to the world the true nature and essential value of consecrated Religious Life as a radical following of Jesus Christ and its vital importance for the welfare of the Church and the salvation of souls.
The IRL includes and engages bishops, clergy, Religious, consecrated women, and the lay faithful in a collaborative apostolate guided by the magisterial teachings and rich heritage of the Church.
Servant of God Fr. John Hardon, SJ, established the IRL in 1974 and inspired its work in response to the Holy See’s plea to “help save religious life in the United States.”
Father Hardon was aided by outstanding co-founders and early collaborators, including St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and many others.
Today, the IRL has expanded to meet the needs of established Orders and a growing number of emerging Religious communities and other institutes of consecrated life.
It seeks to show all, especially young people and families, the beauty, value, and hope that consecrated Religious bring to the world.
IRL members pray and work for the day when Religious women and men will be back in all Catholic schools, parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, monasteries, and cloistered convents.
The Institute on Religious Life is currently located in Mundelein, Ill., at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary campus.
Executive Director Jeffrey Karls is a Madison area native having worked for a time with Bishop Robert C. Morlino and Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, to establish the Orate Liturgical Institute of Sacred Liturgy, Music, and Art.
Karls also served as principal at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Dane.
He, his wife Julie, and their family are parishioners at Blessed Trinity Parish.
For more information about the Institute on Religious Life, visit www.religiouslife.com or call 847-573-8975