Today, February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (aka ‘Candlemass’), it is also ‘World Day for Consecrated Life.’
Instituted in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II, this day in which candles are blessed to represent the Light of the World, God incarnate, we also remember those Consecrated Religious men and women who have been set aside for this special mission of bringing the Light of the World to those in their communities and the people they minister to.
Through professing the ‘Evangelical Counsels’ of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, Religious vow to live the Gospel Life of Jesus Christ; effectively being the face of Jesus to all they encounter.
We pray for these men and women, that they may remain faithful to their Vows, persevere through challenging moments, and be blessed abundantly for their constant “yes” to the Lord. We pray also for an increase in vocations to the Consecrated Life, especially to the Conventual Franciscan Order here in Midwest, USA.