DETROIT — Religious women and men from across the Archdiocese of Detroit gathered Feb. 1 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament for the annual Mass for Consecrated Life.
The Mass, held in connection with the Church’s celebration of the Presentation of the Lord and celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron, was a moment for the local Church to give thanks for the gift of consecrated life. In his homily, Archbishop Vigneron spoke about consecrated life as a deep expression of baptismal consecration and a visible witness to lives given fully to God.
Consecrated life is not lived for oneself, but for the good of the entire Church, Archbishop Vigneron said. He reflected on how the vows of religious men and women stand in contrast to a culture that often values independence and self-reliance above all else.
“You remind me, remind this local Church, and you call us to live the life of baptismal consecration,” Archbishop Vigneron said.
He also noted that consecrated life serves as a living reminder of the Beatitudes and the way of life Christ offers to all his followers. Following the Mass, attendees gathered for a reception, offering time for fellowship and gratitude for the many ways consecrated religious serve the Church throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
(Photos by Izzy Cortese | Detroit Catholic)
