Yes. But I understand where colofornian is coming from. Those aspects we hold in common (doctrine, sacraments, liturgy, magisterial authority, etc) aren't what's visible to the nonCatholic eye. I understand why some can view it as diversity.
if the Orders were COMPLETELY on the same page, then their distinctions and uniqueness would be superflous and redundant
Not at all. Orders reflect unique charisms and apostolates in the service of spreading the gospel message under the authority of the Catholic Church. Different local authority structures may exist (abbot or bishop for example) or they may report directly to the Holy See. Either way they ultimately come under the authority of the Pope.
What is indeed diverse is the various gifts of the Holy Spirit and the way various orders live out these gifts in ministering Christ to others. Some orders may specifically serve the poor. Some do health care. Others teach. But apart from their living out of these gifts, they are the same. For example, I sometimes attend Mass celebrated by Dominican fathers. It is structured the same as the Mass my parish priest (who doesn't belong to an order) celebrates. Confession with a Dominican or my priest is the same. Our beliefs and practices are the same. The difference is my parish priest isn't an itinerant preacher. The Dominican is. My parish priest reports directly to the bishop. The Dominican has an abbot in authority over him. Both ultimately are under the Pope's authority in the end. Hopefully that made sense.
Peace be with you.
well, ok, but on re-reading the thread I see that Colo was just replying to another post which diverted the topic of this thread.