Liverpool: Celebration of Religious Life

'Living Joyfully' is the theme of a three day event to be held at Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King from Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February 2015. The aim is to celebrate the many forms of Religious Life and to create an encounter between Religious and young people and the general public. The celebration is part of the Year of Consecrated Life called by Pope Francis and reflects the Holy Father's own evident joy in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus.

Friday 6 February is aimed at school years 10-13 and will offer an introduction to the different 'flavours' of consecrated life, live worship music, moments of prayer and reflection and discussion. Workshops will look at prayer, mission and justice, community life, making choices, priesthood, religious vows and the joy of the Gospel.

Saturday 7 February is open to all, especially young people, and offers an opportunity to meet religious, priests, and consecrated lay people to learn more about their lives and what inspires them. Again there will be discussion with topics including the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience; discernment; community life; faith and justice and prayer. The day will conclude with Mass at 6.30 pm celebrated by The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool.

Archbishop Malcolm said: "The gift of consecrated life, given by God to Religious, is such a powerful thing that it can actually change the world. We need to show people that being a Religious is joyful; that it is a way of being Christian that has great value in itself as well as being symbolic of the Kingdom of God."

Throughout the two days, and on the morning of Sunday 8 February, there will be exhibitions in the Cathedral showing the work of the Religious Orders. On Friday and Saturday those attending will hear presentations on religious life from Abbot Christopher Jamison OSB and Sister Lynne Baron FCJ before having the opportunity for discussion with a panel of people in religious life.

Father Richard Reid CSsR is one of the organisers and says that it is time for those in religious life to share their joy in the Gospel, "We want people to know that we are here, to know that those in religious life belong very much in the present, not in the past. We need to share the fact that we live joyfully in response to God's call in our lives."

Source: Archdiocese of Liverpool