Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – “Those who have offered their life to Christ for ever for the coming of the Kingdom are invited to repeat their “yes” to the special vocation they have received. But also the entire ecclesial community is called to rediscover the richness of the prophetic witness of Consecrated Life in its variety of charisma and apostolic works.” This was affirmed by Pope John Paul II during his homily for the Mass of the Feast of the Presentation on Monday 2 February in St Peter’s Basilica, which marked the 8th Day for Consecrated Life. The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Martinez Somalo, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
“Christ calls you to be ever more like him. Out of love he was obedient, poor and chaste. Continue to dedicate yourselves with passion to the proclamation and promotion of his Kingdom. This is your mission, necessary today as in the past!” the Pope said greeting religious men and women, members of secular institutes, “and all who bear faithful witness to the values of Consecrated Life in every region of the world”.
The Day for Consecrated Life is an opportunity for religious men and women to confirm their fidelity to God: “Repeat again today your "yes" to the God of love with joy and conviction. In the quiet of the monastery or cloister, or beside the poor and the excluded, among young people, or in church structures, in various apostolic activities or in mission lands, God wants you to be faithful to his mission and dedicated to the good of others. This is the precious contribution you offer the Church so that the Gospel of hope reaches the men and women of our day.” (S.L.) (Fides Service 3/2/2004 – lines 20; words 287)
