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. 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. 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.
Prayer
God of all goodness,
you have called people to follow you faithfully.
Humans have heard that call and many choose to follow your call in varied and faith-filled lives.
Some follow your call in private, silent lives as hermits; some choose to follow you with lives lived as virgins and widows;
while others choose public lives of vowed men and women as religious brothers and sisters.
Abundantly give to these men and women the courage to follow their call as witnesses to your gifts and faith and service to the world.
We ask this in faith through the name of Jesus our Savior.
Amen.