Pope: 'Consecrated Life is a gift of God to the Church and His people'

On Sunday, the World Day for Consecrated Life, Pope Francis highlighted the great contribution that nuns bring to the Church. “What would happen”, he asked, “if there were no nuns? No nuns in hospitals, in missions, in charitable institutions, in schools… Can you even imagine a Church without nuns…? No it is unthinkable!”.

Pope Francis said that nuns “are a gift, the leaven that carries the message of Christ”. “These women are great!” he said.

The Pope’s words came before the recitation of the Angelus with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, after Mass in St Peter's Basilica for the Day of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, a Feast which is traditionally dedicated to Consecrated Life. Pope Francis said that consecrated persons in different sectors are “the leaven of a more just and fraternal society”. He said that “Consecrated Life is a gift of God to the Church and to His people”.

The Pope said that the Church and the world needs the witness of religious and consecrated lay people to the love and the mercy of God, and he asked for prayers so that many young people may say “yes” to God who calls them “to consecrate their lives to Him and to be of service to their brothers and sisters”.

Pope Francis recalled that the year 2015 will be dedicated to Consecrated Life and asked for prayers for this initiative.

Source: Vatican Radio/VIS