Ceremonies to mark consecrated life

A group that Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo calls “a true gift to the entire Family of God” will gather coast-to-coast in Canada Feb. 2-4 to mark the World Day for Consecrated Life.

The Toronto portion of the celebration will begin Feb. 3 with a Mass that Leo will celebrate at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica to recognize “consecrated men and women in religious, monastic and contemplative institutes, in secular institutes and new institutes, members of the order of virgins, hermits and members of societies of apostolic life.”

The World Day for Consecrated Life was instituted by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997 to both recognize and support the vocation of religious life.

In a letter issued in the inaugural year, Pope John Paul II wrote that the day “is intended to help the entire Church esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels and, at the same time, is intended to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervour which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.”

Sr. Jacqueline Tchamgbade, co-director of the Office of Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Montreal, is responsible for the planning of this year’s celebrations there.

Tchamgbade is convinced of the relevance of the day for a society that does not readily understand the religious life.

“When I was still in my home country of Togo, or even at our diocesan celebration of consecrated life at the Cathedral in Montreal last year, I remember seeing so many people involved in consecrated life, from different congregations, orders and institutes, on these occasions,” said Tchamgbade. “With the diversity of our charisms, I became aware of the richness and contribution of consecrated life within the Church.”

Tchamgbade notes that “gathering and commemorating this day together at the diocesan or national level not only enables these consecrated men and women to get together, celebrate the gift of consecrated life and share their joys and experiences, but also to unite around the local bishop and the people of God.”

She believes that the day provides a singular opportunity to witness to young people the joy of consecrated life.

“Don’t be afraid to answer the Lord’s call, for He continues to call all over the world, and even here in Canada. All you have to do is approach the people of consecrated life in your parishes, neighbourhoods and cities, to get to know them better and learn more about this vocation. May this feast day be an opportunity to pray for all consecrated people, who by their dedication light up the world with their presence and inspire others to live according to God’s call.”

This call to be open to the call was echoed by Leo in a Feb. 2 letter.

“Let us not forget the manifest need and call to pray for and promote vocations to consecrated life in our own diverse milieu and ecclesial settings,” Toronto’s Archbishop wrote.