Vatican City, January 24, 2018

This February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church celebrates the World Day of Consecrated Life. This will be a day of thanksgiving and prayer for the gift of vocations. On that day, at 5.30 p.m., the Holy Father will preside the Eucharistic Celebration in St Peter’s Basilica.

In all parts of the world, there are thousands of consecrated men and women who welcome the gift of vocation with joy and willingness in the myriad charisms; in their life they seek the face of God, committing themselves to build peace and fraternity, in spite of the difficulties.

Cardinal De Aviz, Prefect of the CICLSAL affirmed: «The present human history is in need of a vocational meaning in life.  We need to have a project, a source of an existential meaning, full of joy and hope. As consecrated persons through our Baptism, and being part of God’s life and that of his Family, the Church, we are heirs of the vocational and charismatic legacy of the Church, and we are happy and the duty bound to safeguard and promote it».

The celebration of the World Day of Consecrated Life is a festive occasion, as well as one of commitment to pray the Lord for the gift of new vocations, which will renew the face of the Church and the world, by announcing the joy of the Gospel and the love of God which gives meaning to our existence.