VATICAN CITY – In view of the upcoming celebration of the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has addressed a touching letter to all consecrated men and women around the world. Entitled “Prophecy of Presence: Consecrated Life Where Dignity Is Wounded and Faith Is Tested,” the document is an invitation to recognize the value of those who choose to “remain” in the most difficult frontiers of humanity.
The Dicastery recognizes the preciousness of “remaining in difficulties”: it is a qualification of the mission of consecrated persons in contexts of conflict, political instability, extreme poverty, and forced migration. “Remaining” often takes on different forms and challenges, because the complexities of our societies are diverse. Consecrated Life is, first and foremost, a seed of hope and prophecy in the midst of fragility, and, specifically, apostolic life—such as that of the Capuchins—makes visible a working closeness that supports wounded dignity.
In the wake of the Great Jubilee that has just ended, with the theme of hope at its center, religious men and women throughout the world are reminded that their very consecration is a sign that recalls the presence of God in history, in the life of humanity, and is a ferment of hope. Bringing hope, like pilgrims who go where wounded people are to offer dignity, is the evangelical way of life that is handed down to us by the Church.
You can download the message below or find it at www.vatican.va
