Annual event thanks religious for all they do for local Church
Cassocks, habits, and plain clothes will flood into St. Patrick’s Church in Vancouver for the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life next month.
“It’s to make our presence visible. All of our religious, or as many as can come, will be in one place at one time,” said Sister Rhonda Brown, DSMP.
Sister Brown belongs to the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, one of 28 religious orders of women currently serving in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. There are also 24 orders of priests (not including diocesan priests), two groups of consecrated laypeople, and other women who have consecrated themselves to God under private vows.
They and all the faithful are invited to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Thursday, Feb. 2.
“It’s a way of recognizing all of the religious and all of the contributions they make to the diocese,” said Sister Rhonda.
During Mass, all consecrated people present will publicly renew their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
The event is also a way of raising awareness among churchgoers of the many religious congregations and orders that serve them and pray for them.
“It is making religious life known as an option for young people,” said Sister Rhonda.
This year, for the first time, many groups will display booths with information about their congregations.
Pope John Paul II instituted the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life in 1997.
The event will begin with Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 7 p.m.
