Diocesan Celebration of World Day of Consecrated Life 
Montreal, February 1, 2025 - Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

"Pilgrims of hope on the paths to peace" is the theme chosen this year by the Dicastery of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life during this Jubilee Year.

Hope, joy, and gratitude characterized the diocesan celebration in Montreal. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Christian Lépine at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, drew approximately 150 consecrated people from various communities. The "Ensemble Vocale Épiphanie" choir's extraordinary performance expressed the joy this jubilee year brings to the universal Church.

"There is no future without the past," Archbishop Lépine noted in his homily, highlighting the irreplaceable contribution of religious congregations to building Ville-Marie. "Among the values that have shaped Quebec are faith, the family, consecrated life, and the parish. Today, the mission continues in our pluralistic society. By virtue of our history, our spiritual heritage and values, our community and material heritage of the Church in Quebec, we are called to be witnesses to our roots in order to build a future with society, better serving justice and peace, the rights of the family, and the dignity of every human being."

The afternoon continued with themes of Ville-Marie's roots, gratitude to pioneering religious congregations, and the importance of preserving this heritage. Following a convivial meal in the Cathedral hall, Archbishop Lépine, accompanied by Mrs. Esther Tranchemontagne and Mr. Olivier Dufour, presented an ambitious project to enhance Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral as a "common home" and beacon of faith for Montreal and the Quebec Church, emphasizing the positive impact religious communities have had on society.

Two special performers maintained the day's thematic thread: Sister Violaine Paradis, CND, and Luk Magnus (Focolari), dressed as clowns, expressed both current concerns about personal and community suffering and the enduring power of hope rooted in Jesus. Spontaneous testimonies from attendees affirmed that good overcomes evil and love transforms pain.

While some view consecrated life as declining due to the increasing average age of its members, the songs, dances, and testimonies on February 1st demonstrated its continued vitality. They showed that God, the master of history, continues to call men and women to dedicate their lives as pilgrims of hope and witnesses to divine love.

Written by Donatella Fiorani and edited by Sr. Jacqueline Tchamgbade, SNDT
Co-Directors
Diocesan Office for Consecrated Life
Archdiocese of Montreal

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