Each year, February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, marks the World Day of Consecrated Life, a celebration initiated by Pope St. John Paul II to recognise and honour the gift of consecrated life within the Church. This year, in the heart of the Jubilee, the day carries even deeper significance as the global Church and local dioceses alike come together to reflect on the beauty, mission, and prophetic witness of consecrated life.
At the Vatican, Pope Francis will preside over Vespers on February 1, in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the 29th annual celebration of this day. This moment of prayer will unite consecrated men and women worldwide in gratitude for their calling and inspire them to renew their commitment to serve the Church and the world. Representatives from different forms of consecrated life will gather in Rome from February 1 to 4, sharing experiences that highlight their role as agents of reconciliation in a divided world. Their mission is not just a personal journey but a mandate to return to their communities as visible signs of unity and hope.
In Hong Kong, local celebrations are equally meaningful. The Association of Major Superiors of Religious Men and Women in Hong Kong has organised a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong. This special liturgy on February 2 will provide an opportunity to thank God for the enduring gift of consecrated life and for His loving guidance in the lives of religious men and women.
A particularly moving part of the celebration will involve the symbolic lighting of candles bearing mottos from the constitutions of various religious congregations. These candles, carried by the major superiors or their representatives, will illuminate the spiritual mission of each community, offering a profound reminder of the diverse yet unified call of consecrated life.
In this Jubilee Year, the call to reflect on consecrated life extends beyond religious communities. All faithful are invited to recognise their own consecration to the Lord through baptism. Consecrated life is a vivid reminder to all Christians of their baptismal promise to live as disciples of Christ, dedicating their lives to love, service, and holiness.
As we celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life, let us also look forward to the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, scheduled for October 8 to 12. This event will bring consecrated men and women to Rome for moments of shared prayer, a pilgrimage through the Holy Door, and a joyful witness to their vocation. Together, these celebrations underscore the irreplaceable role of consecrated persons in the Church’s mission and their profound contribution to a world in need of hope and healing.
Let this day inspire us to give thanks for the gift of consecrated life, to pray for those who have answered this call, and to renew our own commitment to live out the consecration we received in baptism with faith, courage, and joy. jose CMF
