On Wednesday, February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Holy Father will celebrate the 9th annual Day of Consecrated Life and preside at a 5.30 p.m. Mass in St Peter's Basilica.

He will bless the candles, participate in the opening procession and, following the homily, lead thanksgiving to God for the gift of consecrated life. At the end of the Mass he will impart his apostolic blessing.

The Eucharist will be celebrated by Archbishop Franc Rode, C.M., prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.