World Day of Consecrated Life 2024 is Celebrated in the Diocese of Cork and Ross

The image on the front of our prayer card is that of an icon of St. Brigid, which was painted by Sr. Aloysius McVeigh and commissioned by the Parish of Kildare, Ireland. This icon can be seen in St Brigid’s Parish Church in Kildare, and is used with permission of Rev. Andy Leahy, Parish Priest of Kildare

On February 1st, the Feast of St. Brigid and the vigil of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, over 100 religious women and men from communities throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross joined with Bishop Fintan to celebrate Evening Prayer in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Ann to mark the World Day for Consecrated Life

Other religious communities and people from all over the Diocese also participated via the Cathedral livestream. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is set aside in the Church as a special day to pray for women and men in consecrated life. Pope Saint John Paul II instituted the World Day for Consecrated Life in 1997.

Br. Denis Ahern OFM introduced Evening Prayer and acknowledged the appropriateness of gathering on the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid. Br. Denis also mentioned the long and rich history of Consecrated Life in Cork and Ross.

The music and singing was provided by students from Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane, led by Olivia Forde (Choir Conductor), Tom Doyle (Organist), Anne Dunphy (Organiser of Music), and Kerri Mullins (Teacher).

Sr. Celestina FMM read from chapter 4 of Luke’s Gospel which was a timely reminder that every baptised person is called to share the Good News with those whom they meet.

The ceremony included a blessing and sprinkling of holy water, during which Bishop Fintan spoke of the deep connection between baptism and vocation. The Diocesan prayer for Consecrated Life was prayed together.

Sr. Linda Ndidiamaka Ugwu MMM, Br. Theiva Sebastiyam Pillai FPM and Br. Anthony Sahayam Pillai FPM led the prayers of intercession.

Bishop Fintan emphasised the importance of Consecrated Life in our Diocese. He thanked Religious for their witness to the joy of the Gospel, and their service, and encouraged them to continue to pray for the renewal of the Church throughout the world and particularly in our Diocese.