Today we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Instituted
by Blessed John Paul II in 1997 the day was chosen to coincide with the Feast
of the Presentation of the Lord; to symbolise the presentation of ourselves to
God. Today, we also bless candles to symbolise Christ, who is the light
of the world, and to remind us that we, who are in consecrated life, are called
to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
As Capuchin Franciscans in Ireland we
share Christ’s light and love through our work in churches, parishes, schools,
universities, hospitals, hospices, homeless and drug centres, retreat houses
and many other areas of society. We live and pray in community, and serve
the Church through our apostolic service and contemplative prayer. As Capuchin
Franciscans we embrace the consecrated life through our vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience. As we journey
with Francis, we seek to discover Christ in the face of today's most needy and
vulnerable.
May we are who consecrated to God by the
vows of chastity, poverty and obedience seek to live our Baptismal promises
more intensely. May God grant us the
grace to persevere in our commitment to continue our journey with Francis
towards the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. May we
experience the support of the Church as we continue our growth in
holiness. May the Lord continue to call many to be generous and to heed
the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give themselves to God and live the
consecrated life.
If you feel called to
consecrate your life to God through the brotherhood of the Capuchin Franciscans,
why not get in touch with Br. Terence our vocation director (Mobile: 086 323 0638 or Email: capuchinvocation@gmail.com)? Trust in the echoing words of Blessed John Paul II,
"Be Not Afraid!"
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