On Monday, 3 February, religious men and women from across the diocese gathered in thanksgiving for the gift of consecrated life. The event was held in celebration of the ‘World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life,’ instituted by St John Paul II in 1997 on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Consecrated life is a unique vocation within the Catholic Church, where individuals commit themselves fully to God through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Many live within religious communities, dedicating their lives to prayer, service, and the Gospel.
Bishop David led the celebration with a solemn Mass, offering gratitude for the commitment of consecrated persons within the diocese. Following the liturgy, attendees gathered for a joyful meal, sharing fellowship and reflecting on their mission.
In his homily, Bishop David referenced a letter from the Institute for Religious Life in the Vatican, highlighting three key paradigms for viewing this jubilee year:
- Commitment to the “last”– listening to the cry of the poor
- Care and custody of creation– protecting the environment
- Universal brotherhood– fostering solidarity
“With the desire to respond to the Pope’s ‘desiderata,’ we thought of a proposal for consecrated persons that would combine the word hope with the word peace,” he shared.
Bishop David concluded with a heartfelt message of appreciation: “We need you, we need your charisms, and we need who you are in the body of Christ.”
The gathering served as a meaningful reminder of the vital role consecrated individuals play in the Church and wider society, embodying faith, service, and unity.
