Welcome the light! We have seen the shadow on the appointed day! Let us rejoice!
I’m not talking about Punxsutawney Phil or any of his rodent acolytes. I barely pay attention to human meteorologists (especially after that car drowning episode); I’m certainly not going to obsess about a furry, fanged Marmota monax with a press agent and those ridiculous men in top hats. I’m referring to the real celebration of light and shadow for those who have dedicated their lives to Christ and service.
In 1997, Blessed John Paul II designated February 2 as the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, a day to recognize the holy men and women who are consecrated to God by their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. The day was attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas; on this day, candles are blessed to symbolize Christ, the Light of the World.
The celebrations for the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life are usually moved to the following Sunday so that the whole Church might celebrate. The guests of honor, these earthly examples of Christ’s love and selflessness, will be feted for their gift of self. The holy men and women of faith will hold lit candles which will set the darkened church aglow and light our way towards a more joyful, deeper understanding of Christ.
The shadows from these flickering tapers may fall upon the assembled religious, but the Light of Christ shining from within them, and all of us, can help us rise up and conquer any worldly darkness.
Welcome the light! We have seen the shadow on the appointed day! Let us rejoice!
