“Consecrated men and women bring the hope of the Gospel to the world in both visible and hidden ways,” said Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing. “Joyful hope marks the life of a person consecrated to God, and these men and women remind the Church of the joy which can be found through persevering in hope in the midst of earthly struggles,” he added, reflecting on the Church’s call in this Jubilee to be Pilgrims of Hope.

The Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on February 2, coinciding with the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Each year, dioceses, parishes, and schools take this opportunity to pray specifically for those living a consecrated life and those discerning such a path.

Bishop Boyea emphasized that “consecrated virgins, religious, members of secular institutes and societies of Apostolic life remind us of the deep desire of human heart to see the face of God.” He noted their experiences in Eucharistic Adoration and service to the poor as evidence. As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, he expressed gratitude for their dedication “to stay awake, to be vigilant, to persevere in waiting” as Pope Francis has encouraged.