World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Friday, Feb. 2, 2024

Location: Worldwide
Contact: Sister M. Cecilia Nguyen, OSB
Phone: (501) 664-0340, ext. 309

The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is Feb. 2, which is also the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Celebration of this day of prayer is transferred to the following weekend, Feb. 3-4, to allow parishes to highlight the gift of religious life and pray for those discerning a religious vocation.

St. John Paul II established the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life in 1997 to be celebrated in conjunction with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, which highlights the fact that Christ is the light of the world through the symbolic lighting of candles. "Similarly, consecrated men and women are called to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ through their unique witness of selfless service, such as caring for the poor, the contemplative work of prayer, or through their professional careers." For more information, visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Prayer for Consecrated Persons

The following prayer, written for the World Day for Consecrated Life, is provided courtesy U.S. bishops' Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life And Vocations.

"God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests, consecrated virgins, and hermits, as well as members of Secular Institutes. Renew their knowledge and love of you, and send your Holy Spirit to help them respond generously and courageously to your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."