World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

The ‘World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life’ takes place today, Thursday, 2 February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Established in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, the day is being marked around the world by Dioceses and Religious Orders with special prayers, Masses and other events.

In Glasgow, Archbishop Conti will be celebrating the 1pm Mass today in St Andrew's Cathedral in the presence of the Religious of the Archdiocese.

Westminster Diocese is marking the Day on Saturday, 4 February, with a day for women interested in finding out more about consecrated life; a ‘Come and See’ experience, in the Carmelite Priory in Kensington Church Street. The idea is that it will enable women to make a first step into exploring what consecrated life is, with the opportunity to ask questions and interact with religious and with others who are discerning their vocation.

A variety of women religious (representing both active and enclosed congregations) will speak about consecrated life and how to discern if God is calling a person to this way of life. There will also be time set aside for prayer, with both Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

If you, or anyone you know might be interested in attending the day please contact Fr Richard Nesbitt for more details at richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk

Across Ireland, many religious communties are holding special events and services to mark the day, including the Capuchin Friars, http://capuchinfranciscanvocationsireland.blogspot.com/2012/02/world-day-of-prayer-for-consecrated.html

The Benedictine Digital Nun website includes a lighthearted film on: www.ibenedictines.org/

In America, bishops voted to observe the occasion the weekend following the feast, to highlight men and women religious in consecrated life as part of weekend Mass celebrations and to enable expressions of appreciation for the service of those who have chosen the consecrated life and to pray for an increase of vocations.

Prayers of the Faithful, a bulletin announcement and a prayer card for the World Day for Consecrated Life can be found on the US bishops’ website at www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/consecrated-life/world-day-for-consecrated-life.cfm.

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