Religious need to be seen as praying

Archbishop Julian Leow, in his speech after Mass at the celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life, said that this is the first time many different religious congregations have gathered together.

Feb 13, 2015

By Bernard Anthony
Archbishop Julian Leow, in his speech after Mass at the celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life, said that this is the first time many different religious congregations have gathered together. The prelate commented that this was also a chance for the young people present to get to know all the consecrated. Close to 50 of the Evangelical Counsel were present for the special Mass at 8.00pm on Feb 2 at the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA). Joining them were 15 priests and a large number of religious.

Touching on this year’s theme, Wake Up The World, the prelate exhorted the Religious, “You are to wake up the world; you must be a sign like Jesus. Tell the world that your home is not here on earth but rather, your permanent home is in heaven. Do not conform to the world, nor be influenced by the world; but rather, influence the world because you are working in the world.”

The prelate advised the Religious, both priests and the Evangelical Counsels, that they must not only pray but be present to the people, and also be seen praying among the people. “Now, in our world, our nation, our society, we need to be seen. So people will want to know why you are different. Why did you choose this way of life? You must stand firm and be proud of living your faith today.

“Consecrated priests and religious will remind us that this world is only a temporary home on earth. Touch lives — no matter what ministries you are in.”

Noticing that many of the Consecrated are in their 60s to 80s, with only a handful are in their forties, he called on the young people to live a radical life — fulfilling and meaningful. He advised the youth to talk to the men and women in white, in blue and brown. “Ask, ‘Why are you a Sister, Brother or priest?’” The prelate challenged the young people not to choose the easy way but to be radical, like Jesus, and share the values of the Gospel with others. He also thanked the Consecrated for all they have done and are doing for the glory of God.

Before the Mass, a Holy Hour for Vocations to the Consecrated Life and Vespers was held at 6.30pm. SFA parish priest, Fr Andrew Manickam OFM Cap, called all to pray, specially for all the Religious, and those who are sick, that they will be touched by the healing touch of our Lord, and for those priests celebrating their anniversaries.

Archbishop Leow presided at the Mass. Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez was also present. The Church was packed. Many came to thank God for the Consecrated men and women who were living out the charism of their founder with a spirit of dedication and service.

The blessing of candles took place at the Church foyer. Archbishop Leow led the prayer and blessed the candles before all adjourned into the Church for Mass.The Mass was partly coordinated by the Religious.

The Prayer of the Faithful thanked God for the gift of the Consecrated Life. Archbishop Leow prayed that those who took the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in the Consecrated Life would grow in holiness.

The Renewal of Commitment by all the Religious then took place. This was followed with the Prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life by the assembly. The Respective Constitution of each Congregation was presented to the Archbishop during the Presentation of the Gifts.

The homily was preached by Jesuit Fr Norris. Prayer Cards were also distributed after Mass. Fr Paul Cheong OFM, Cap, who is the Chairman of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur for Religious, thanked Archbishop Leow for his presence and support. He also expressed appreciation to all the Religious, priests and the laity and to those involved in making the celebration meaningful.

Dinner was served to all in the Church grounds. After Mass, Archbishop Leow took time to meet with many of the faithful.

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