Religious Communities Gather to Celebrate the 19th World Day of Consecrated Life

Religious men and women, diocesan priests, seminarians, nuns and some lay people gather through a Eucharistic celebration at San Pedro Cathedral to celebrate the 19th World Day of Consecrated Life last February 2.

The celebration was presided by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles to honor the religious men and women in their commitment of living a sacred life in serving the community by spreading the good news.

As the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is also known as Candlemas Day, the Eucharistic celebration opened with the blessing of candles representing Jesus, the Light to the nations.

In his homily Archbishop Valles recognized the presence of the religious sisters, brothers, seminarians and diocesan priests of their works, actions and faithful service to the community as they pledged to the special vows of the consecrated life, living a life of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Archbishop Valles also urged the religious community to continue the annual celebration which Pope John Paul II started in 1997.

During Pope Francis’ arrival in the Philippines, Archbishop Valles recalled his personal meeting with the Pope relating it to the message of faith of the first reading of Malachi in which he emphasizes that the Lord will send His representation in building a faithful community.

In the appearance of Pope Francis, Archbishop Valles poses a question saying, “How are we going to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the representation of Pope Francis?”

Archbishop Valles said to the religious that in order to become a true representation of the church one must cleanse oneself through purification, living the newness of the Gospel and finding anew to the community through perfect charity.

Archbishop Valles ended his homily by citing the importance of the religious men and women of their role in helping, leading and challenging the community in building faith.

John Paul Olea, a seminarian of the St. Francis Xavier Pre-College Seminary said that like Pope Francis, just doing mercy and compassion, it also shows a commitment not only for his own but by going outside and reaching the people. He also gives relevance to the message of hope that being a seminarian is not only by name but must also act it out, reaching to the community and show their lives.

Since his installation in 2012 as Archbishop of Davao, Romulo Valles celebrated the event for the second time since last year. (Mark Kinlee E. Ocay)