Every religious Congregation draws its inspiration from the charism received by its Founder or Foundress. Every such charism is essentially a gift of the Holy Spirit made concrete in the life of a particular man or woman, called by God to live a particular aspect or apects of the Christian mystery as seen in the life, teaching and mission of Jesus Christ. No one person or group can presume to live the Christian mystery in all its richness. This goes some way towards explaining the great variety of religious congregations that have flourished in the world and enriched the life of the Church for centuries. Every Congregation develops a particular spirituality based on the charism of its Foundress or Founder.
