Feast of the Presentation: Special Holy Hour of Thanksgiving

A HandmaidNews, HPB Vocations

Since its inauguration by John Paul the Great in 1997, the Church has celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life every year on February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this special day it is our custom to renew our vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience at Mass just before receiving Holy Communion. 
 

Thanking Our Eucharistic Lord that he has called us to the Consecrated Life.

In thanksgiving for the gift of our vocation as consecrated religious we had a candlelight Holy Hour together, with each Handmaid placing vigil lights on the altar. Gathering before Our Eucharistic Lord in silence, much as the silent candles surrounding the monstrance give heat and light without commotion, we simply remained in his Presence together as his family of sisters. For us, as nuns living the consecrated life, we prayed in thanksgiving not only for his call to each of us individually, but for consecrated souls throughout the world. We also raised our prayers of gratitude for all those who pray for us and support us from all walks of life.