The last Synod of the Bishops (October 1994) dealt with the consecrated life and its place in the Church and in the world. This article tries to detect what is common and what is specific in each Christian vocation to discipleship. They are namely distinctive marks for each Christian vocation (lay, ordained ministry, consecrated life). The consecrated life appears to be a living sign for the other members of the Church and for the world. The consecrated life differentiates from the other forms of Christian life by some characteristic features.
