Sibu diocese celebrates 29th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Feb 14, 2025

By Eta Ting
Twenty-three members from four religious communities in the Diocese of Sibu gathered to celebrate the 29th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The event took place at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, where members of the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS), the Order of Franciscan Minor Capuchins, the Marist Brothers, and Putri Karmel took part in a recollection and sharing session. The event also involved the Holy Trinity Covenant Community and parishioners.

The celebration culminated in a 5.30pm Mass to give thanks for the gift of religious life, in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, known as Candlemas Day. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Joseph Hii; Fr Alphonsus Tang; Fr David Lau; Fr Francis Go, OFM Cap (Guardian of the Franciscan Friary in Sibu), and Fr Raphael Samosir, OFM Cap, Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Commission for Consecrated Life of Sibu Diocese.

During the Mass, Bishop Joseph blessed the consecrated members’ candles, which symbolised their commitment to the radical following of Jesus. In his homily, the bishop reminded the faithful that consecrated life is a response to “a call within a call,” a profound commitment to follow Jesus with radical devotion. He referenced the example of St Anthony, Abbot, whose feast day falls on January 17. In the 3rd century, St Anthony chose to live in the desert to fully dedicate himself to following Christ, recognising that the world around him posed no challenge to his commitment.

Bishop Joseph emphasised that the vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty taken by consecrated persons are extraordinary, making the Church richer. He urged the faithful to thank God for consecrated life and to pray that many young people would be inspired to follow this path. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared that, like the consecrated, he too had been called to live radically through his vocation as a priest and later as a bishop.

In his homily, Bishop Joseph also reflected on the biblical tradition of consecrating the firstborn male, recalling the ritual of purification and the offering of the firstborn to God. However, he encouraged the congregation to view themselves from a biological perspective, considering that each individual, from the moment of conception, is a “firstborn” and “champion” of God’s creation. In God’s eyes, every person is unique and special, consecrated for Him and others. The prelate called on the parishioners to embrace their uniqueness in diversity, as one body with many parts, united in God’s love.

The celebration highlighted not only the importance of consecrated life but also the call for all to live radically in devotion to Christ, fostering unity within the Church and the world.