For years, since 1997, the church dedicates the liturgical celebration
of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2) as special occasion to
remember and pray for the consecrated men and women, who live and try to
incarnate in the church the form of the personal life of Jesus in poverty,
Chastity, obedience, in community and in other forms monastic and secular life.
In 1997, Pope John Paul II, now St. John Paul II, instituted a day of prayer
for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This Feast is also known as Candlemas
Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light
of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light
of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
