On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Archdiocese of Montreal marked the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life in a spirit of faith, communion, and hope. Organized by the Office for Consecrated Life, the event brought together Archbishop Christian Lépine, priests, deacons, and approximately 200 members of various religious communities, along with the faithful from parishes across the archdiocese, to honour this significant celebration within the life of the Church. Joining the celebration, the Salesian Sisters, prominently present, brought a living connection to the feast of St. John Bosco, observed each year on January 31.

The celebration took place at Sanctuaire Saint-Sacrement, a baroque-style church near Mont-Royal metro station, which was filled for the occasion. Participants were welcomed warmly by dedicated volunteers, reflecting the care invested in organizing the day.

Before the 10:30 a.m. Mass, a candle blessing took place in the church crypt. Each participant held a candle, symbolizing the light of Christ, before taking part in a solemn procession reminiscent of those at Lourdes and Fatima. This moving and contemplative procession set the tone for the liturgy that followed. The celebration was enriched by members of the Fraternities of Jerusalem and the choir of St. John the Baptist Parish, whose voices beautifully supported the assembly’s prayer. A dozen priests concelebrated with the Archbishop, assisted by two permanent deacons.

In his homily, Archbishop Lépine drew a profound connection between consecrated life, the Gospel, and the unity of Scripture from the Old to the New Testament. He described consecrated persons as anawim, the “poor of Yahweh,” who place their trust in God rather than material possessions, recognized for their humility, gentleness, fidelity, and hope rooted in God.

Reflecting on the biblical figures of Simon and Anna—elderly individuals wholly devoted to prayer—the Archbishop emphasized perseverance and faithfulness in consecrated life. He noted that old age can become a true virtue when lived lived with steadfast devotion and trustful surrender to God. Archbishop Lépine also highlighted the essential role of consecrated persons in the lives of younger generations, who need to encounter witnesses faithful, grounded, and steadfast in their vocation.

Concluding his homily, Archbishop Lépine expressed gratitude to all who have devoted themselves to consecrated life in the Archdiocese of Montreal, reminding all that the vocation is a fulfillment of baptismal grace and a total gift of self in following Christ.

The celebration continued in the parish hall with a shared meal and fellowship, during which several religious communities presented their charisms, sharing their unique gifts and missions. The afternoon extended the joy of the day, experienced as a true celebration of faith and consecrated life.

On Sunday afternoon, February 1, as part of the World Day for Consecrated Life, the monastic brothers and sisters of the Fraternities of Jerusalem, in collaboration with the Office for Consecrated Life and the pastoral team of the cathedral, gathered at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral for Vespers. Numerous consecrated persons and hundreds of diocesan faithful participated in this prayer.

View the photo gallery here: La Fête de la vie consacrée célébrée à Montréal 2026 | Diocèse de Montréal

Revisit both celebrations here:
Célébration diocésaine de la Journée mondiale de la vie consacrée 2026

Vêpres - 30e Journée mondiale de la vie consacrée

Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala
Episcopal Vicar
French-language Deaneries, Central sector