February 2, 2023 (Celebrated in Parishes February 4-5)

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 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.

The diverse forms of Consecrated Life include: Monastic Life, the Orders of Virgins, Hermits, and Institutes completely devoted to contemplation, Apostolic Religious Life, Secular Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, and new or renewed forms of the consecrated life (cf. Vita Consecrata, 6-12). The most familiar to us are probably those in religious life taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Each form is described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Note that secular (diocesan) priests are not in the consecrated life; however, some priests are professed in religious institutes, and so are included here in the consecrated life.