World Day for Consecrated Life
“BROTHERS AND SISTERS, GO FORTH! Remember the beauty of your first call. Jesus continues to call you today with the same full love and untamed grace. GO FORTH! There is always more to do, to encounter, to be grateful for, to be astonished by. Begin and end with the joy of prayer—the marrow of consecrated life. GO FORTH! Each of us has a role to play in the Church. Witness and sow well each day, and look to tomorrow with hope. GO FORTH! Grow in love for God so that others will be attracted by the divine light in you. Welcome the new vocations the Lord sends to continue the work of consecration. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and first disciple of her son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.” — Pope Francis
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day for women and men in consecrated life. This global celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday, Feb 4, in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.
There are several ways to celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. Invite sisters, brothers, and priests to publicly renew their vows at Mass, send cards of support to newer entrants, ask to visit a mother house to meet and pray with sisters, brothers, and priests, invite a vocation director to visit your classroom, Board meeting, or faith group to learn more about consecrated life. Send flowers, make a donation to a religious community, or invite someone to discern their vocation to consecrated life!
Prayers of the Faithful
For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. We pray to the Lord…
For those who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person that they may experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. We pray to the Lord…
Short bulletin quote:
World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Sunday, February 2, 2024. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.
More information on World Day for Consecrated Life: USCCB and NRVC
Learn more about consecrated life at www.seattlevocations.com
(Image: Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna 1308-1311, tempera and gold on wood)