This celebration takes place every year, but in spite of that, each year has its own encounter.
Firstly, at a community level, we held a liturgy in the chapel to renew our consecrated lives. This means, to follow Jesus in Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience. After that, we went to the Oratory Church in Kensington to participate in the Candle Mass. It was amazing to see how crowded the Church was for this celebration!
Definitely, a very profound and touching ceremony.
Furthermore, Cardinal Vincent Nichols invited us to continue celebrating Consecrated Life day at the Westminster Cathedral on the 5th. The Cardinal himself presided the Mass, and con-celebrated other Bishops of the Archdiocese and priests.
Overall, the Cardinal delivered a homily of joy, happiness, and thanksgivings. Moreover, he celebrated that we were allowed to gather on this most wonderful occasion at last. Furthermore, he thanked priests and religious wholeheartedly for their contribution to Church, especially the Archdiocese of Westminster’s Parishes.
Afterwards, he named all the priests and sisters who celebrate this year their Diamond, Golden, and Ruby Anniversaries. Among those was our sister Isabel Canton, who celebrates “50 years serving the Lord and practicing hospitality”.
Lastly, he mentioned the noticeable decline in the number of sisters in the Parishes. In that regard, he mentioned 5 aspects of their work that the laity should take over:
After the Mass, we greeted the Cardinal outside the Church, who was very glad to see us. Morevoer, as he knows Sister Isabel Canton most, he remarked for her special anniversary that:“you are always happy and smiling”.
In conclusion, it was a wonderful day to remember.
– Community of London