Westminster: Mass for Religious

A Solemn Mass for the Religious of the Diocese of Westminster was held at Westminster Cathedral today, (2 February) the feast of The Presentation of the Lord and World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Representatives from most of the 107 female religious communities in the diocese attended.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols was the principal celebrant at the Mass, delivering a homily that praised the brave undertaking of religious life by the Sisters - 24 of whom were celebrating jubilee anniversaries.

The Archbishop of Westminster quoted the prophet Malachi, saying that the consecrated life teaches us that, "...the work of the Lord is to purify and refine ourselves, until we are like gold in His eyes." He went on to say that it takes great effort to permit the Lord into our lives so completely and acknowledged the dedication of the sisters' to helping those in need.

"Today," the Archbishop concluded his homily by saying, "...we thank God for our vocation and for all who led us to that decision in life and we cheerfully dedicate ourselves anew today."

Source: CCN