Single Blessedness as a Lived Experience in Roman Catholic Lay Institutes

Abstract

This phenomenological research aimed to explore single blessedness as a lived experience in lay institutes of the Roman Catholics. An interview was used as the primary tool for extracting the meaning of single blessedness among laywomen. There were twelve (12) cases selected to undergo data saturation for emerging themes and categories. Findings revealed two categories of single blessedness—to serve God and serve the family. Having the desire to serve God and the community, especially the poorest of the poor, the unmarried female members in Roman Catholic lay institutes had shown their charity through opportunities to be with the needy, have prayerful reflection and discernment, and offer their God-given talents to others. Their experience of reluctance to respond to this vertical call led to uneasiness and incompleteness. Meanwhile, another cohort of women found blessedness as a choice to selflessly serve their family while enjoying independence and autonomy. This was described as a traversal free from worries and other responsibilities and full of filial love from friends and family members. Staying single for the rest of their lives, these women described daily life as prayerful and charitable or chaste and pure in words and deeds with a strong and decisive commitment to work for their families and the poor. Nevertheless, these women, in blessed singleness, nourished themselves as well as prayers, positive relationships with themselves and others, their families, and most especially God.