In 2013, Pope Francis proclaimed that a Year of Consecrated
Life be observed from Nov. 30, 2014, to Feb. 2, 2016. In a
letter to those living a consecrated life, the pope said that
there were three aims for the year: to look to the past with
gratitude, to live in the present with passion and to embrace
the future.
The Arlington Diocese honored those consecrated men and women
Feb. 7 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul S. Loverde at
the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington and assisted by
Cistercian Abbot Robert Barnes of Our Lady of the Holy Cross
Abbey in Berryville and Deacons James Van de Voorde and Brian
Majewski.
In his opening remarks, the bishop expressed the gratitude of
the diocese for "the great gift of consecrated life."
Oblate Father Mark S. Mealey, vicar general for
administration and moderator of the curia, was the homilist
who said that those living the consecrated life are called by
Pope Francis to renew ourselves in the spirit of our mission.
"We need to read the signs of the times and find new ways to
bring our gifts to others," he said.
After Mass concluded, Bishop Loverde again expressed the
gratitude of the diocese for the work of those living the
consecrated life. He read the names of religious orders
serving in the diocese.
"(You have the) deepest gratitude of my heart," said the
bishop.
Apostle of Jesus Father Peter Odhiambo Okola, parochial vicar
at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale, was at the Mass with his
regional superior, Father Augustine Idra.
"It was a great effort to celebrate the consecrated life,"
said Father Okola. "You can see the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Benedictine Sister Charlotte Lange echoed those sentiments.
"It was a wonderful Mass," she said. "It was lovely to see
everyone praying together."
As people left the cathedral, ushers passed out a card
printed with the prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life.
"During this Year of Consecrated Life," read the card, "we
give you thanks for these courageous witnesses of faith and
models of inspiration."