The Catholic Church’s annual World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life takes place on Feb. 2, when parishes and the greater Church celebrate the gift of consecrated life and pray for men and women who are discerning a consecrated vocation. Instituted by St. Pope John Paul II in 1997, the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is celebrated in conjunction with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, which commemorates through the blessing and lighting of candles that Christ is the light of the world. Those in consecrated life also are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all people. Bishop Edward Malesic invites the faithful to renew their gratitude to Christ for the gift of consecrated life. CLICK ON TITLE TO LINK TO FULL ARTICLE