World Day for Consecrated Life

Let us pray for all consecrated men and women, for continued fidelity
to their vows and their commitment to prayer and service

On Monday, February 2, the Church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life, to recognize and give thanks for those who have consecrated their lives to God and the Church through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  Some of us give public witness to our consecration by joining a religious congregation or secular institute, and others remain single and make profession to God through the local bishop.

The symbol worn by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto is a pendant, pictured at left, or a pin of the same design.

Cloistered orders devote all their time to work, prayer and contemplation in a secluded place, while apostolic congregations like the Sisters of St. Joseph are deeply involved with people where they live. Members of these apostolic communities may be found teaching, in health care and especially working for and with the poor in many countries throughout the world.

There will be an Archdiocesan Mass on Sunday, February 1 at St. Michael’s Cathedral at 2:30 p.m., at which the religious present will be invited to renew their vows.  Other religious may make a public renewal of their vows in local parish churches.

For many stories of Sisters’ lives, see http://www.csj-to.ca/Who_we_are/Meet_us/meet_a_sister.php

For another story on another kind of consecrated life, see http://www.csj-to.ca/Whats_new/News/2008/celebration_of_a_new_old_rite.php

Written by Sisters Dorothy Schweitzer and Mary Buckley
Photo by Gisela Côté