2009-02-03 09:27:37

Pope Benedict XVI Extolls Virtues of Consecrated Life


(03 Feb 09 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the world’s consecrated men and women to model themselves on the missionary zeal and spiritual intensity of St. Paul the Apostle, as well as the contemplative excellence of the Virgin Mary on Monday evening. We have this report…

Radical discipleship and total devotion to the mission of Christ’s Church, coupled with profound and intense care for the interior life: Pope Benedict XVI held these up as the these are the hallmarks of the Consecrated Life on Monday evening in St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of men and women religious gathered to mark the 13th World Day for Consecrated Life.

The Day for Consecrated Life has been celebrated for nearly a decaded and a half on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the final high point of the season in the liturgical life of the Church that begins in Advent and carries us through Christmas, the Feast of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.

The Feast of the Presentation marks the special consecration of the Lord Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem, in fulfilment of the Jewish Law and presaging his unique role as priest and victim in salvation history.

On Monday, after Mass celebrated by the Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinal Marc Rodé, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a homily to the religious men and women gathered in St. Peter’s, speaking of the special role consecrated men and women have in and for the Church.

He encouraged the men and women religious to look on the Virgin Mary, the one who is “Consecrated” par excellence.

May she continue to be the Mother who accompanies and sustains us, sons and daughters of God, her sons and daughters, in the rendering of generous service to God and to the brethren. RealAudioMP3







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