On the occasion of the World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated on 2 February, sr. Patricia Murray, IBVM, UISG Executive Secretary and sr. Mary John Kudiyiruppil, SSpS, UISG Associate Executive Secretary are sharing their reflections on the significance of the Feast, commitment of consecrated persons and testimony they can give to the contemporary world.

“This is the testimony that we as religious can offer to the world, even in the most difficult context: even in our elder years we can continue to do small things well, as well as we can, knowing that they will bear fruit in unexpected ways.
Our presence is what counts: being there, showing up, carrying the Light of Hope. This is my prayer for all of us on this day of consecrated life.” – shares sr. Pat Murray.

Sr. Mary John Kudiyiruppil says:
“The feast on the 2 February is of particular significance in that it is reminiscent of the presentation of Jesus in the temple by Mary and Joseph. The feast invites us to give all that we are worth for God and God's people in the service of God. (…)

I am reminded of an Indian poet, mystic and philosopher called Rabindranath Tagore. In one of his poems with the image of the orchestra makes this prayer:

Give me the strength never to lose the touch of the one in the play of the many.
We live in a world where many things play a part, many things impact us. 

There are many melodies, many distractions. The feast of the consecration on the 2 February, and every day for consecrated persons, is an invitation to recommit, to go back to that initial yes, and to live it joyfully, with passion, with availability, in selfless gift. That is for me the act of Kenosis. And it's also a very joyful feast. It's a feast that reminds us of the commitment and it's an invitation to renew if we have lost some of its seal along the way. I wish you a very happy feast and deep joy and peace in your consecrated life.”