On November 21 (the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple), the Church will celebrate World day of Cloistered life, an ecclesial event for all Catholics worldwide to commemorate the hidden lives of consecrated cloistered religious. We celebrate this day because the contemplative life is a gift from God to us all, because the entire world spiritually benefits from the prayers and sacrifices of these dedicated religious, even when we do not know it. On this day, the faithful are encouraged to reach out to the contemplative communities in their diocese, through prayer, encouragement, and material support.

Some concrete ways to do this are: participating in a novena of prayer and offering up Masses, writing notes of appreciation to contemplative communities, visiting them, and making a special point to teach families, religious education classes, youth groups, etc., about the tremendous value of such a calling. Recently Pope Francis noted, “Contemplative communities... are a signpost pointing to a journey and quest, a reminder to the entire People of God of the primary and ultimate meaning of the Christian   life.” 
 
This Monday, November 21 (the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple), the Church celebrates World day of Cloistered life, an ecclesial event to commemorate the hidden lives of cloistered and monastic religious. Ways to honor the event include prayer (participating in a novena of prayer, offering up Masses, etc.), encouragement (writing letters to contemplative communities, visiting them, calling to thank them, etc.), and offering material support (monetary donations).
Recently Pope Francis highlighted the importance of cloistered contemplative religious and their hidden mission: “The Church counts on your prayers and on your self-sacrifice to bring today’s men and women to the Good News of the Gospel. The Church needs you!”

We have two Contemplative Communities here in the Diocese of Springfield Massachusetts, ourselves and the Dominican Sisters in West Springfield. We hope that we are like the two arms of the Church in Springfield supporting our Bishop and clergy in their work of winning souls for the Lord! Pray with us for good, holy vocations among God’s young people. Young women who desire to give ALL to the Lord through a life of prayer, work and silence.


For more information visit CloisteredLife.com.
 
© 2016 Institute on Religious Life, Inc. Contact the IRL at 847-573-8975 or visit ReligiousLife.com.