Celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life
Within the Catholic Church, we have been blessed to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life this past year. Pope Francis named the year beginning November 30, 2014, to February 2, 2016, as a year to remember and honor the gifts that men and women religious have given to the Church. There is some overlap with this year, and the Year of Mercy, which we have been celebrating since December 8, 2015. So, why was the Year of Consecrated Life longer than 365 days? Liturgical years start on the first Sunday of Advent each year. This is why the Year of Consecrated Life began on November 30, 2014, which was the first Sunday of Advent. February 2 is celebrated each year as the World Day for Consecrated Life, so that is why Pope Francis chose to close the year on February 2, 2016.
The Year of Consecrated Life also was an encouragement for all members of the Church to learn about religious orders, their founders, their members, and what they do. The theme for the year was “Wake Up the World”- a reminder of the call to joyfully help build God’s kingdom here on earth. Men and women religious all over the world have shared so generously because of a deep desire to dedicate themselves to a life completely lived for God. This Year of Consecrated Life provided us the opportunity to learn more about religious life, to pray with them, and to join with the religious in acts of service.
There are so many different religious orders and each adds a unique beauty and gift to the Church. That diversity adds depth and strength, as well. So many needs are served. Across the different orders, prayers are offered continuously for the world and all its people. God is honored and the Gospel is lived within each order’s charism, which is the specific gift and grace of the order, given by God to that order. Because of this, ministries across religious orders can vary. For example, Benedictines strive to seek God through prayer, work, and community life together. Dominicans desire to spread the word of God and proclaim the Gospel everywhere. Franciscans are especially committed to live out the Church’s preferential option for the poor. Over time, religious have served in hospital ministry, teaching, retreat ministry, service to the poor and marginalized, and many other ministries.
In the Archdiocese of Louisville, where I minister, there were several events for people to learn more about the religious orders serving here. In February 2015, religious communities held open houses that attracted lots of visitors. Over the summer of 2015, several different religious came together to sponsor and help build a Habitat for Humanity house. The house was named the “Wake Up the World” house and was dedicated in August 2015. In September 2015, a beautiful evening prayer service was held at the Cathedral of the Assumption. All religious orders were invited to participate and to be present to share with others more about who they are and what they do. To close the Year of Consecrated Life, a special Jubilee Mass was celebrated to all those religious men and women who have special anniversary years. Many dioceses throughout the Unites States had similar activities.
Each of us is called to put God first in our lives, no matter to which vocation God calls us. Each of us is called to take the time to pray and discern where we see God working in our lives and how we can best live God’s plan for us. When we live out God’s plan, we will truly make a difference and we will feel peace. God can, and wants to work through us in powerful ways. When we are open to that reality, and trust in God’s action within us, there will be a joy inside us that nothing can take away. These men and women religious have been a tremendous example of that for us.
Sr. Sarah Yungwirth, OSB, Associate Director for Vocations, Archdiocese of Louisville, KY