As the festivities for the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montreal begin, Archbishop Christian Lépine will celebrate a Mass for consecrated life on January 28, 10:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

The Archbishop of Montreal will highlight the World Day for Consecrated Life (February 2) during a special Mass for all the people of consecrated life. The public is also invited. As part of this celebration, the people of consecrated life will be invited in particular to renew their commitment.

The Church has been celebrating this day yearly on February 2 since 1997. John Paul II instituted it for three purposes:

• "to thank [the Lord] for the great gift of consecrated life";
• "to promote a knowledge of and esteem for the consecrated life by the entire People of God";
• to invite consecrated persons to "celebrate together solemnly the marvels which the Lord has accomplished in them" (John Paul II: January 6, 1997 message).

Visit our topic on the Year for Consecrated Life