As the Year of Consecrated Life draws to a close, some 4,000 consecrated men and women are expected in Rome for the closing ceremonies.
The Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life recently announced the upcoming events that will mark the conclusion of the Year. They will be held between 28 January – 2 February. There will be meetings, prayer vigils, and abundant time for discussing this Year’s theme: “Consecrated Life in Communion: The Common Foundation in the Variety of Forms”.
The aims of this meeting will be: to get to know the great mosaic of consecrated life better; to live communion rediscovering the single call uniting the variety of forms (Ordo Virginum, monastic life, apostolic institutes, secular institutes, new institutes and new forms of consecrated life); and finally, starting out together on the path of the great Jubilee of Mercy. The Jubilee once more reminds all consecrated persons of the specific mandate of their vocation: to be witnesses and builders of an authentically lived fraternity, guided by the Father’s mercy.
The first event will take place on 28 January: a vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided by Archbishop Jose Rodriguez Carballo, secretary of the congregation. Cardinal Joao Braz De Aviz, prefect of the Congregation, will also participate. On 29 January, consecrated persons will gather in Paul VI Hall, while on 30 and 31 January, representatives of each form of consecrated life will meet in five different locations in Rome to explore in greater depth various specific aspects of their vocation. They will subsequently meet in Paul VI Hall again on 1 February, for an audience with the Holy Father and to listen to the Oratory “On the trail of beauty”, directed by Monsignor Marco Frisina.
The series of events will culminate on 2 February with the morning Jubilee pilgrimage and the Eucharistic celebration for the 20th World Day of Consecrated Life, celebrated by Pope Francis.