Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
February 2, 2019 (Celebrated in Parishes February 2-3)
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in religious life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.
World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in the Church on Saturday, February 2, 2019 and in parishes on the weekend of February 2-3, 2019. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.
God our Father, we thank you for calling
men and women to serve in your Son’s
Kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests,
consecrated virgins, and hermits, as well as
members of Secular Institutes. Renew their
knowledge and love of you, and send your
Holy Spirit to help them respond generously
and courageously to your will. We ask this
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Read the homily of pope Francis for the 23rd World Day for the Consecrated life.