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Reflection by Sisters Helen Martinez, Patricia Whittle and Sheila Leonard.
In 1997, John Paul II called for consecrated life to be promoted throughout the universal church. He declared February 2, the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, to be observed as World Day for Consecrated Life. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life invites all the church to reflect on the role of Consecrated Life within the Christian community. The invitation provides an opportunity to remember with gratitude the men and women who have chosen to live out their baptismal vocation by professing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience by joining a religious congregation, a secular institute or through private vows. It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to pray for God’s continued blessing upon them and to pray that many others will hear and respond to the call to consecrated life.
The altar during the Consecrated Life Day mass.
Our Archdiocese of St. John’s here in Newfoundland, Canada, celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life by inviting everyone to join the consecrated women and men of the archdiocese at the weekend eucharistic celebration at 5:00p.m on Saturday, February 2, at St. Theresa’s Parish in St. John’s, with Archbishop Peter Hundt as celebrant. We were very happy that we could celebrate as part of the larger church community.
Vowed religious process out of the church following mass.
Currently, the Sisters of Mercy, Presentation Sisters, Christian Brothers, Jesuits and Redemptorists minister in the Archdiocese of St. John’s. In the past, the Franciscans, Capuchins, Congregation of the Holy Cross, Recluse Sisters and Sisters of Service have served in the archdiocese. The Holy Rosary Sisters have also served in our province.
Over 70 religious were present at the liturgy, during which the archbishop invited us all to stand as he acknowledged our service and dedication. The congregation burst into spontaneous applause. After the liturgy, parishioners greeted us and personally thanked us.
Following the liturgy, we as religious were invited to the Redemptorist Parish rectory for a light supper. Every corner of the rectory was filled as we intermingled and shared conversation while enjoying delicious homemade soup and assorted sandwiches and desserts so kindly provided by the Redemptorist community and their associates. With our special thanks!
It was a wonderful experience of coming together in solidarity and support as religious and especially in the context of the wider church community as ONE. Indeed we do WALK ONE.
Click here to enjoy the Smile Box slideshow, with thanks to Mercy Sister Diane Smyth.