ABBEY NEWS
World Day for Consecrated Life
Today, the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, we join the rest of the Church in the celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life instituted in 1997 by Pope Saint John Paul II. This year it falls on February 2nd the Feast of Candlemas Day, the day when candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world.
We join the Church praying for all those consecrated to God by the religious vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that we may seek to live our baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in our commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits.
Our celebration was enhanced by the presence of Bishop Salvatore Matano, Bishop of the Rochester Diocese, accompanied by his secretary, Fr. White. Bishop Matano was principal celebrant and homilist at Mass this morning. He spoke eloquently about his understanding of and appreciation for the religious life in the diocese and throughout the world.
Lectio Notebook
The Eucharist does not reproduce that unique and unrepeatable sacrifice. Nor does it simply evoke a memory of some sacrifice from the past. It is the emergence of that sacrifice into today’s world realities, making it accessible to us through communion.
It is the paschal sacrament, not post-paschal. It is the unique Passover celebrated by Jesus and his disciples. Each time we offer this memorial sacrifice, the work of our redemption is accomplished.
Christ Our Passover
Francis Xavier Durrwell, C.Ss.R
Comments are closed.