This Sunday the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life which was instituted in 1997 by Pope Saint John Paul II. So today in a special way we pray for all those who have dedicated themselves in religious and consecrated life, committing themselves completely and wholeheartedly to God.

Answering God's call, they have followed in the footsteps of the Lord, in consecrating themselves to a holy life committed to God, and in doing what God has commanded each one of them to do, in their various missions, in their various religious orders and institutions, organizations and groups. They have made a lot of sacrifices and efforts in glorifying God by their lives in many ways, and many of them have also helped and assisted us on our faith journey.

Let us all pray that they may be strengthened, empowered, and encouraged by God in all the things that they do. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation. Let us also pray for more vocations to the consecrated life of various kinds, that those who have been called may respond posititvely to their calling.

God Bless,
Fr Gregg