On Tuesday evening, Feb. 8, Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated Mass for the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. The Mass was attended by about 50 people, including members of a dozen religious congregations of the approximately 18 religious communities that live and minister in the Diocese of Richmond. The Mass was livestreamed for those who could not attend in person.
In his homily, Bishop Knestout referenced documents from the Second Vatican Council that reflected on religious life: “Under the impulse of love, which the Holy Spirit pours into their hearts, they live more and more for Christ and for his Body, the Church. The more fervently, therefore, they join themselves to Christ by this gift of their whole life, the fuller does the Church’s life become and the more vigorous and fruitful its apostolate…’”
He spoke of the daily, tangible examples of self-emptying love that those in consecrated life give to the Church for the good of their brothers and sisters and for the redemption of the world, noting that it is because of this that the Church “has always held those in consecrated life in high regard, and we pray for your holiness and fidelity.”
The bishop concluded his homily by referencing Pope Francis’ remarks during last year’s Mass for the World Day of Consecrated Life. Like Pope Francis, the bishop urged those consecrated to the Lord to have patience in community life by refraining from speaking ill of others and never losing their sense of humor, for those virtues will help preserve consecrated life.
“As I echo these words of Pope Francis, I thank each of you for your witness to the beauty and power of consecrated life,” Bishop Knestout said.