Catholic Religious Australia marked World Day of Consecrated Life this month by celebrating the lives of consecrated women and men, giving thanks for their generosity in the day-to-day challenges of ecclesial living and missionary service to Church and society, while special Masses were held around the country to honour the day.
Instituted by Saint John Paul II in 1997, the World Day for Consecrated Life invites the faithful to offer prayerful support for all those who have committed themselves to consecrated life.
Coinciding with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, religious women and men are reflected in the lives of Simeon and Anna, the two prophetic figures in Luke’s Gospel account who bear witness to the infant Jesus’ consecration to the Lord. This depiction reminds the Church of the contributions of consecrated women and men, who remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith and courageous in their pronouncement of the Good News through the living out of consecrated life, in all its myriad expressions.
“The gospel text tells us that Anna, a widow and representative for the dispossessed, prayed and fasted fervently at the temple. This is who our religious men and women are, making up vibrant and diverse communities who, through their charisms, gifts and ministries, nurture an ever-deeper relationship with Christ and proclaim the Gospel message by walking with people on the margins,” said Anne Walker, CRA National Executive Director.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv with Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth after the Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life in Parramatta. PHOTO: Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Facebook.
The celebrations this year carry added weight, occurring concurrently with the national celebration of the Jubilee for Consecrated Life, an integral part of the overall Year of Jubilee. The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life (DICLSAL), has chosen to articulate the official motto of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” in a special way for consecrated persons, “Pilgrims of hope on the path of peace.”
“This year’s celebration offers an opportunity for we religious to renew our missionary commitment as consecrated persons who are messengers of God’s peace. This Jubilee Year we are reminded of our call to accompany God’s people, particularly in their time of need, endeavouring to bring the hope of Christ and fullness of life to all. The People of God have provided strong support to consecrated religious across the country for which we are most grateful,” said CRA President Gerard Brady CFC.
As special Masses for consecrated life were celebrated around Australia, CRA asked the Australian Church to join in giving thanks for consecrated persons and the gifts they bring in their personal and community life, church life and as part of our wider society.
In Parramatta Diocese all Religious Congregations who have served in a wide variety of ministries in the Diocese over the past 186 years were invited to join in a special celebration to mark World Day of Consecrated Life.
Each of these Congregations was represented by 44 candles featuring their Congregational symbol. To begin the celebration the candles were blessed by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv in the courtyard and then brought in procession and placed in the cathedral.
Some of the candles which were lit, representing each Congregation. PHOTO: Holy Family of Nazareth Sisters Facebook.
“The large Jubilee candles, alight in such numbers, were a most inspiring symbol for Candlemas Sunday, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord,” wrote Sr Jeanette Foxe RSJ. “The High Mass was enhanced by magnificent music from the Cathedral choir and organists, ritual that was solemn and prayerful and a full congregation of the multicultural people of God.”
In Perth, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB was joined by Bunbury Bishop-Elect Fr George Kolodziej SDS at the celebration of the World Day of Consecrated Life, on Sunday February 9 at St Mary’s Cathedral, reports The Record.
The Mass was an opportunity for religious men and women to reflect on and give thanks for the gift of consecrated life; while recognising the profound impact their commitment has as a testament of faith.
Delivering the homily, Archbishop Costelloe focussed on the universal call to holiness that extends to all members of the Church, not just those in religious life.
Drawing from the day’s readings – Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalms 137:1-5, 7-8, and Luke 5:1-11 – Archbishop Costelloe reflected that discipleship is a shared journey, and the witness of religious life serves as an inspiration for all to follow Jesus while striving for holiness in their unique circumstances.
“God’s Providence is at work because all three readings today, while they clearly do not refer only to a vocation to the religious life, certainly do speak to us about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Every single baptised person here in the Cathedral this morning is called to this discipleship. Every one of us has been given the gift of new life in Christ, and every one of us is called to do our best to live this new life to the full: to make the Lord Jesus, not just in words but in the daily reality of our lives, our way, our truth, and our life.”
However, those living the consecrated life are able to remind the Catholic community of the commitment to discipleship.
“It is because of this reality… that God calls some women and men to take on the challenge of religious life… to be a living homily and reminder of what we are all called to be and do in our own particular circumstances,“ he reflected.
Members of Institutions of Consecrated Life in Perth Archdiocese, including Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Bishop-elect of Bunbury George Kolodziej SDS. PHOTO: The Record.
The religious are “a precious gift of His grace,” he continued. “They remind us all of the challenge and the beauty of living our discipleship fully. This is why religious need our prayers, our support and our encouragement to help them remain faithful.”
Following the Mass, a lunch was held to celebrate those celebrating Jubilees in Religious life.
And in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn the contribution of 30 religious orders across the Archdiocese was celebrated at Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra, on Sunday, February 9, reports Catholic Voice.
From large cities to tiny railway sidings, the imprint of dedicated religious men and women in the archdiocese can still be found through liturgical celebrations, home visits, music, pastoral care, education, hospitals, and hospitality.
Josephite Sister Colleen Howe said the numerous religious had played an integral part in the life of the archdiocese.
“While not dwelling on the past, it is always good and appropriate to remember from whence we have come,” Sr Colleen said.
“Take a moment to pause and feel the heartbeat of the archdiocese – unique, diverse and challenging in its very essence. Ministries have been life-giving to the individuals, communities and members of the wider community irrespective of religious beliefs.”
This article is drawn from a CRA Media Release as well as articles written by Sr Jeanette Foxe RSJ, The Record, and Catholic Voice.