We can also ask, who mostly moves us? Is it the Holy Spirit, or the spirit of this world? This a question that everyone, consecrated persons in particular, needs to ask. The Spirit moves us to see God in the littleness and vulnerability of a baby, yet we at times risk seeing our consecration only in terms of results, goals and success: we look for influence, for visibility, for numbers. This is a temptation. The Spirit, on the other hand, asks for none of this. He wants us to cultivate daily fidelity and to be attentive to the little things entrusted to our care.
From the homily of His Holiness Pope Francis
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord for the 26thWorld Day for Consecrated Life
Vatican Basilica, Wednesday, 2 February 2022
February 2 was the 26thWorld Day of Consecrated Life, a day of prayer to celebrate and honor the women and men who have chosen consecrated life. Pope Francis presided over the Eucharistic Celebration and delivered his homily on February 2 in St. Peter’s Basilica, at 5:30 p.m.
More resources
Read this year’s Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis
Watch this year’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Watch last year’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
The National Religious Vocation Conference provides a series of resources, including links to past homilies
Download the vocation prayer card from the National Religious Vocation Conference
Watch the video message from Pope Francis to all religious sisters and consecrated women below (via UISG, the International Union of Superiors General):