On February 2, 2022, we celebrated the World Day for Consecrated Life. It is celebrated in parishes on February 5-6 to highlight its mission and gift for the whole Church. The celebration was instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997. It was a day of recalling the gift the Holy Spirit has given, and continues to give, to many generous men and women open to His call. The importance of the gift of consecration does not only depend on the many good works done for the Mystical Body of Christ, in the name of the Church, but also to acknowledge the sacrificial love each religious man and woman gives in response to God's invitation. The gift of the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity are powerful antidotes to false allurements of the world- power and control, materialism and individualism. The World Day for Consecrated Life is tied to the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, or traditionally known as "Candlemas". During Mass, candles are blessed. How appropriate it is to celebrate it on this day when Mary presents the Infant Jesus to God in the temple. The Light has come to the temple! Consecrated men and women, by their consecration, bring the light of Jesus to those around them! By their life and good works, the light continues to shine for all the world to see, and give glory to God!
In celebration of this special day, the Carmelite Sisters live streamed a Scriptural Rosary from their chapel at Saint Teresa's Motherhouse. You will also hear from our Sisters as they shared reflections on the beauty and joy of religious life from video clips below.