Pope calls consecrated religious to be ‘bearers of light’ amid modern challenges

 

Pope Francis presides over First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica, surrounded by bishops, priests, and religious men and women. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. / Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA

CNA Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 17:00 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis urged consecrated men and women to become “bearers of light” in today’s world through their faithful witness of the evangelical counsels as he celebrated First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Speaking to thousands of religious on Saturday evening, the pope outlined how poverty, chastity, and obedience can transform society through God’s love, drawing from the biblical theme “See… I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb 10:7).

Religious sisters attend the celebration of First Vespers on the eve of the World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Peter's Basilica. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA
Religious sisters attend the celebration of First Vespers on the eve of the World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Peter’s Basilica. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA

The World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated annually on Feb. 2, takes on special significance this year as the Church prepares for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life scheduled for October 2025. The celebration coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and is marked by the symbolism of light.

In his homily, the pope emphasized how evangelical poverty liberates religious from worldly attachments, enabling them to become “a blessing for others” by embracing “simplicity, generosity, sharing and solidarity.” He warned against the dangers of “selfishness, greed, dependence, and violent use” of material goods.

Pope Francis presides over First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life flanked by monsignors at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA
Pope Francis presides over First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life flanked by monsignors at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA

“What a balm it is for the soul to encounter religious women and men capable of a mature and joyful relationality of this kind!” Francis said during the evening prayer service. He compared consecrated persons to a “Bride before her Spouse… surrounded by his light.”

The Holy Father noted that consecrated chastity, rooted in the Trinity, offers a powerful witness in a world often marked by “superficial relationships and selfish affectivity.” Religious communities must provide ongoing formation to help members fully live this gift without “unhealthy expressions of dissatisfaction,” he added.

Consecrated men and women capture moments from Pope Francis’ passage through St. Peter’s Basilica during the celebration of First Vespers. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA
Consecrated men and women capture moments from Pope Francis’ passage through St. Peter’s Basilica during the celebration of First Vespers. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA

Regarding obedience, Francis highlighted its role as an “antidote to isolated individualism” in an age dominated by ceaseless words and images but little listening. This counsel fosters “active listening” and helps people discover their purpose in “God’s greater plan,” he said, particularly in families, workplaces, and social networks.

The pope concluded by calling consecrated men and women to return to the origins of their vocation through renewed Eucharistic adoration. “We are too practical, we want to do things, but…adore,” he urged. “There must be the capacity for adoration in silence.”

Catholics worldwide are invited to pray Sunday for vocations to consecrated life.

A member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard stands at attention during the First Vespers celebration at St. Peter's Basilica. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA
A member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard stands at attention during the First Vespers celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA

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