Religious calling is a second calling to be part of Jesus’ ministry

Feb 15, 2019

By Vincent D’Silva
The Diocese of Malacca Johore marked the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, Feb 2, at the Church of St Joseph.

The annual observance was organised by the Council of Religious headed by Franciscan priest, Fr Claurence Motoyou.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Bernard Paul said their religious calling is a second calling to which we need to answer ‘Yes’ to be part of Jesus’ ministry of witnessing and love.

The celebration began with the Bishop blessing the candles placed at the entrance of the church, a normal tradition for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Later, the religious processed into the church, each carrying a lighted candle.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard said that every baptised person should see beyond the surface, the real potential of every human being.

He said, “Just like we learn to recognise the butterfly in the caterpillar, the eagle in the egg; similarly, we should also see the saint in a selfish human.”

The prelate also reminded all Catholics to have the responsibility to respond generously in serving one another, as laity, as single or married couples – in the various ministries of the Church.

The Bishop went on to say that serving in ministries, congregations and services without true love is useless. “Service done in true love makes a difference, it moves and it creates.”

He said that we are called to be prophets, to get our hands dirty. Jesus knew His father’s mission and will and was willing to be rejected by his own family.

He added that, as consecrated people, we must always do the will of God so that his mission of love and hope is shared to all.

After the homily, the religious made their “Renewal of Commitment to Consecrated Life” before the Bishop, recalling their vows to live the three Evangelical Counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience.

In his address at the end of the Mass, Fr Claurence spoke on behalf of the Council of Religious. He said, “Indeed it was a day to remember as the religious of the diocese came together to witness to the great love of Jesus Christ and make this love known to others.”

The second call, he said, is a call to be His witness and we pray that many more young men and women will answer it.

He said the late Pope John Paul II instituted Feb 2 as “World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life” for the Church to appreciate those who have chosen to follow Christ through consecrated life and for the religious to renew their commitment and fervour in their vocation.

He thanked all present, especially those who made the event possible, with a special mention to the parishioners of St Joseph.