The Archdiocese of Newark recently celebrated the 28th annual World Day for Consecrated Life with a special Mass held on February 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the event, which recognized men and women who have dedicated their lives to religious service.

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of waiting for God in his message for this observance. He stated, "Brothers and sisters, waiting for God is important for us, for our faith journey. Every day the Lord visits us, speaks to us, reveals Himself in unexpected ways and, at the end of life and time, He will come." The Pope warned against neglecting one's interior life and adapting to a worldly lifestyle as obstacles to spiritual growth.

Cardinal Tobin echoed these sentiments during his homily: “We can be hopeful, we can be patient, and we can persevere because, in an incomplete way, we know (Christ).” He highlighted that all consecrated individuals are tasked with following Jesus and knowing His Cross as their hope.

The celebration also honored religious individuals marking milestone anniversaries. Sister Patricia Wormann, OP, Delegate for Religious acknowledged them during the liturgy. The Mass served as a platform to pray for vocations and encourage young people towards religious life.

In his message, Pope Francis noted that "Christian life and apostolic mission need the experience of waiting," advocating patience amidst life's challenges. The Pope's call was to maintain an active interior life through prayer while resisting secular influences.

Cardinal Tobin encouraged everyone to make 2025 a Year of Hope by being "the light of Christ in our world’s darkness" and working towards building God's Kingdom locally in northern New Jersey.

The Archdiocese's annual observance coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord—a symbol reflecting how those in consecrated life embody Christ’s light globally.