In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. The 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 people.
The celebration of World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday 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 a Mass in your local parish, send cards of support to newer entrants, ask to visit a motherhouse or monastery to meet and pray with sisters, brothers, and priests. Teachers can invite a vocation director to visit your classroom, invite consecrated religious to a 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!
Prayer for Consecrated Life
We pray 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.
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