Archdiocese of Newark to Celebrate Jubilee for Consecrated Life Feb. 1
The Archdiocese of Newark will join the global Church in celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Additional observances will take place in parishes throughout the weekend of Feb. 1-2.
Established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997, this annual celebration honors those who have dedicated their lives to serving God through consecrated life. It coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2, also known as Candlemas Day. On this day, candles are blessed as a symbol of Christ, the light of the world. Likewise, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all people.
The faithful are encouraged to pray for and express gratitude to religious sisters, brothers, priests, consecrated virgins, hermits, and members of secular institutes. These men and women live out their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, offering their lives in service through prayer, ministry, and community outreach. Their dedication plays a vital role in the life of the Archdiocese.
This year’s observance takes place during the Jubilee Year, a special time of renewal and grace. As the global Church celebrates this sacred period, the faithful are encouraged to reflect on the enduring significance of consecrated life. The Jubilee Year invites everyone to deepen their faith, strengthen their hope, and renew their commitment to supporting vocations, especially those who have dedicated their lives to Christ through consecrated service.
In addition to honoring the service of those in consecrated life, the Archdiocese’s annual Mass will recognize religious celebrating milestone anniversaries. A donation is made in the name of each celebrant to a charitable cause, and a gathering in their honor will take place later this year. Parishes throughout the region are also encouraged to offer prayers and show appreciation during weekend Masses.
The Archdiocese’s Consecrated Life Mass has been a beloved tradition since 1997, when it began as part of the first World Day for Consecrated Life. Today, it continues to serve as a heartfelt celebration for the 52 congregations of religious women and 22 congregations of religious men in the Archdiocese.
Pope Francis has frequently spoken about the importance of consecrated life, calling religious men and women “signs of hope” in the world. The Archdiocese of Newark echoes this message, inviting the faithful to pray for vocations and to support those who have devoted their lives to Christ.
To learn more about Vocations for Religious Life in the Archdiocese of Newark, visit www.rcan.org/vocations-for-religious-life.
World Day for Consecrated Life Mass: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 11 a.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. All are invited to join.
Featured image: Cardinal Tobin distributes congratulatory notes to those celebrating anniversaries within the Church during the 2024 Consecrated Life Mass at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Cresskill. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Newark)
