Join Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal for a Eucharistic celebration observing World Day for Consecrated Life on Saturday, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

Since 1997, the liturgical feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple coincides with the celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life. This celebration was introduced by Saint John Paul II following the Synod of Bishops on Consecrated Life and the release of the apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata in the prior year.

This day, which is celebrated around the world, pursues three goals:

• To thank the Lord for the gift of consecrated life.
• To discover the richness of diversity. Let us recall that consecrated life can take many forms, as one may enter a cloister, live an apostolic life as a religious, a consecrated virgin or a hermit, or take part of secular institutes and societies of apostolic life, or consecrated movements and associations.
• To meditate with consecrated persons on the gift they have received, and to appreciate the value of their mission in the Church for the world.

After the solemn Eucharist celebration presided by Archbishop Lépine, the consecrated persons will be invited to reflect and discuss on how they contribute to the work toward a missionary transformation in the diocese.

“We would like this day to be festive,” said Sr. Madeleine Rochette, director of the Office for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Montreal, who oversaw the planning with the help of an advisory committee. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on what our choice truly entails, to encourage each other to go forth together despite the struggles, and to thank the Lord for the gift of His call, making us witnesses of His love in the world, especially when we care for the most vulnerable.”

On that day, all the consecrated persons will be invited to renew their commitment to be “the light of the world and the salt of the Earth” (Mt 5: 13-14), to work for peace and solidarity, and to be “men and women enlightening the future” (meeting between Pope Francis and the superiors of religious orders of men on Nov. 29, 2013).

Registration is mandatory to take part of this celebration. Please contact the Office for Consecrated Life at the Archdiocese of Montreal, at 514-925-4300, ext.  288 or 289.

To discern a call