The Four Vows of SDM
The Society of St. Eugene de Mazenod (SDM) takes four sacred vows, which guide our lives and ministry in Christ’s service. In addition to the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, our founder, Fr. Gerard Francis OMI, introduced the vow of humility as a foundational pillar of our community.
By embracing chastity, we commit our hearts wholly to God, dedicating ourselves to His love and service. Through poverty, we choose to live simply, trusting in God’s providence and focusing on the needs of the poor and marginalized. With obedience, we seek to follow God’s will, surrendering our personal desires for the greater good of the Church and society.
The fourth vow of humility, inspired by our founder, is at the heart of who we are. It calls us to live in the example of Christ, humbling ourselves in service to others, and recognizing that all we do is for God’s glory, not our own. In humility, we strive to love and serve without seeking recognition, always placing the needs of others before our own.
These vows unite us in the mission to love all, especially the unloved, and help us live out the Gospel with simplicity, faith, and devotion.
SDM’s Promise
