MASS FOR CONSECRATED LIFE ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 3, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, yesterday afternoon on behalf of the Holy Father, presided at Mass on the occasion of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.

Members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life were present at the celebration.

Following the proclamation of the Gospel, the cardinal read the homily prepared by the Holy Father.

John Paul II wrote that today's second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, highlights the "deep link which unites the mystery of the Incarnation and the mystery of Redemption" and emphasizes "Christ's redemptive mission, in which all people of the new covenant partake. You dear consecrated people, take part in this mission in a special way. ... This feast of the Presentation is your feast especially. We are celebrating in fact the third Day of Consecrated Life."

"At this time," he continued, "my thoughts go with special affection to all consecrated people throughout the world. ... I think of hospitals, schools, oratories; ... of the thousands of monasteries; ... of consecrated lay people. ... How could we not remember here all the religious who, even in recent times, shed their blood while carrying out apostolic work in often difficult and uncomfortable circumstances? ... The prayer of the Church is offered today for all consecrated people, but especially for them."

The Pope, in conclusion, affirmed that "consecrated people decisively contribute to the work of evangelization, giving to it the prophetic strength which comes from their radical choice for the Gospel."

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