In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in the consecrated life.  In Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II describes various forms of the consecrated life:  the monastic life in the East and West, the Order of Virgins, Institutes completely devoted to contemplation, Apostolic Life, Secular Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life.

This celebration of consecrated life is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2.  This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.  World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Saturday, February 2, 2013 and in parishes on the following weekend, which this year is the weekend of February 2-3, 2013.

For many years now, in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Little Sisters of the Poor have invited women religious in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to come together at their home on February 2 to celebrate this day together with prayer and a meal.  This year Father Steve Angi, Chancellor, will preside at a Liturgy with those gathered.

We are all invited to pray for consecrated women and men and to pray for vocations to this way of life and better still encourage someone whom you think might have a vocation to the consecrated life.