Every Benedictine of Mary vows to detach herself from the ways of the world, continually turning to the ways of her Redeemer; "not changing nature, but perfecting the will" (St. John Chrysostom), according to God's grace and pleasure.

In this vow is understood the perfect observance of poverty and chastity. Following this commitment, one hopes to imitate our Father, St. Benedict, who left the world "to please God alone." (Dialogues of St. Gregory)

 To leave the world and to give up exterior possessions is perhaps something still easy; but for a man to give up himself, to immolate what is most precious to him by surrendering his entire liberty is much more arduous work: to forsake what one has is a small thing, to forsake what one is, that is the supreme gift. (St. Gregory)