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Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
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World Day for Consecrated Life

"By devoting themselves to God with undivided hearts, women and men embrace God's radical call, leave all things behind and dare to put themselves totally at the service of God and God's people."

 

In 1997, Pope John Paul II called for consecrated life to be promoted throughout the universal Church. He declared on February 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, to be observed as World Day for Consecrated Life. In the United States, when Feb. 2 is not on a Sunday, we celebrate on the Sunday after the Presentation. In 2011, we celebrated on February 6.

The scriptures for February 6 encourage us to let our lights shine so that our good works may draw others to do the same. God calls women and men today to let their lights shine through profession of vows and a life dedicated to prayer and service. This Sunday the Church recognizes and expresses gratitude for those who have consecrated their lives to God. World Day for Consecrated Life is the occasion to promote this life choice as one of the ways to live out our baptismal commitment.

Consecrated Life, rooted deeply in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a special gift of God. Some women and some men are called by God to take on the evangelical counsels -- poverty, chastity and obedience. By devoting themselves to God with undivided hearts, women and men embrace God's radical call, leave all things behind and dare to put themselves totally at the service of God and God's people.

  • Do you experience a calling within yourself for something more?
  • Do you desire to share your gifts generously with those in need of special help?
  • Can you imagine yourself as a member of a vibrant community committed to the same cause?

Pope John Paul II states: The consecrated life may experience further change in its historical forms, but there will be no change in the substance of choice which finds expression in a radical gift of self for love of the Lord Jesus and, in him, of every member of the human family.

If you'd like to learn more about our Community, please select "Vocation" on our Contact Us page.