42: The Vow of Poverty
Chapter 42 addresses common objections to the vow of poverty taken by religious orders, specifically the seemingly contradictory accusations that they both accumulate excessive wealth and are a burden due to their poverty. The author clarifies that the vow of poverty is individual and personal, meaning religious individuals own nothing, while any wealth is held collectively by the order for its maintenance, charitable works, and educational/healthcare initiatives. He argues that this communal wealth, often accrued over centuries and primarily benefiting the public, is no more inherently problematic than secular corporate wealth. The chapter concludes by exposing the inconsistency of the accusations against religious orders' finances, suggesting the true reason for opposition is their dedication to the Catholic Church rather than their economic status.
For the full audiobook can be obtained here. The contents of this volume appeared originally in The Catholic Transcript, of Hartford, Connecticut, in weekly installments, from February, 1901, to February, 1903.
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