Washington D.C., Jan 27, 2010 / 02:28 am
The World Day for Consecrated Life will be observed in the United States on Sunday Feb. 7. The day highlights the contributions of men and women religious and encourages prayers for vocations to the consecrated life.
The worldwide observance is set for Feb. 2 but is scheduled for the following Sunday in the U.S. to allow as much participation as possible, a press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reports.
“The Church is greatly blessed by the many contributions of consecrated men and women, through their ministries in the areas of education, health care, spiritual formation and social service,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, a Capuchin Franciscan and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations.
He particularly acknowledged the service of consecrated women, both those who established past foundations and those who serve today. The cardinal also extended thanks to religious order priests who help to “build up the Church.”