Marriages, ordinations, First Communions, and other special events are a cause for rejoicing. Joy for the people being married or receiving the sacraments is usually manifested not only by way of hearty congratulations, but in the form of gifts thoughtfully picked up for the occasion. There are special occasions, however, in which congratulations are in order, but gift giving generally becomes a nightmare for the giver.

These are the ceremonies in which a person becomes a consecrated religious by taking the vows to publicly follow the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. After all, how do you give to a person who is renouncing his possessions in order to have the freedom to focus on the kingdom of God?

While certain items such as jewelry, luxury cars, and sumptuous vacations are obviously taboo, it is true that there are things, which may be used by the religious and/or his community. Although the following suggestions may prove helpful for getting a congratulatory gift for the new religious, keep in mind that the rules on property differ between Orders and Congregations.