In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day for women and men in consecrated life. This global celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.
This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day candles may be blessed, symbolizing Christ, who is the light of the world. So, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. In the Church, the religious sisters, brothers, and priests stand as a rich testimony to the blessings and grace God bestows upon those who have embraced the consecrated life.
In our diocese, we have been blessed with religious communities who have dedicated their lives in ministry, prayer and community to the Church and have been part of our diocese for over 150 years.
This year, in a spirit of gratitude for their presence, ministry and apostolate in the diocese, we want to acknowledge that commitment in a Diocesan Celebration of Consecrated Life, Friday February 2, 2024.
Bishop Joseph will celebrate a Mass at Holy Redeemer Church at 7:00 pm. All the faithful are invited to join us.
This celebration will give the entire diocese an opportunity to offer gratitude for the fidelity and joy religious live out, even in the midst of hardships and life’s many challenges. Also, it will give us an opportunity to express our appreciation for the witness of their lives, their prayers, and their work on behalf of the Body of Christ here in the Diocese of Charlottetown.
We are also invited in a special way to pray for vocations to the consecrated life so that religious communities will continue to be the bright light that they are to all of us.