World Day for Consecrated Life

“What would the Church be without religious sisters and consecrated laywomen? The Church cannot be understood without them.”
~Pope Francis, February 2022

February 2 is the World Day for Consecrated Life, instituted in 1997 by Pope Saint John Paul II. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord which 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.

WATCH: Click image to view how School Sisters of Notre Dame celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life

“This day, established by St. John Paul II, is an invitation to rediscover the beauty of consecrated life as a gift to the Church and the world,” says the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. “The celebration also aims to be an occasion to renew the missionary commitment of consecrated persons, together with the Holy Father.”

Pope Leo XIV has expressed gratitude for the daily witness of religious life, saying, “I know how much good you do every day in so many parts of the world, good that is often unseen by human eyes, but not by God’s! I thank you and bless you from my heart, encouraging you to continue your mission with faith and generosity.” (September 18, 2025)

Please pray for the School Sisters of Notre Dame and all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them today. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

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