February 2nd in Montalban.

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.

Commemorating this special day, our Community here in Montalban, Cottolengo, Novitiate and Seminary have gathered in a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration last February 2, in the Cottolengo’s Chapel. The Mass started with the “Candelaria” or “Candlemas” from the Seminary’s Chapel to the Cottolengo. Due to an unexpected rain, the itinerary previously set from the Novitiate to the venue of the mass changed. Seminarians and religious walked, candles in hands, rejoicing and giving thanks to God for the special call to consecration.

As tradition says, concerning the Candlemas, according to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, this day is referred to as the "Purification of Mary." This is known as a "Christmas feast" since it points back to the Solemnity of Christmas. Many Catholics practice the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations until this feast.

For us, religious and consecrated people, it takes more the meaning of reflecting on our own consecration to the Lord, who becomes the Original and True Temple. Certain elements taken from the Gospel account of the Presentation of the Lord (Lk 2, 22-40), such as the obedience of Joseph and Mary to the Law of the Lord, the poverty of the holy spouses, the virginity of Our Lady, mark out 2 February as a special feast for those at the service of the brethren in the various forms of consecrated life.

Through the offering of ourselves and of our lives and works, may God always keep us in his service and bless our community and all the Consecrated people all over the world.