Resources for the 2015 Year of Consecrated Life

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In 2013, Pope Francis declared that a Year of Consecrated Life (YCL) be celebrated throughout the world. YCL will begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014. It will close on the World Day of Consecrated Life, February 2, 2016. The following are resources for the 2015 Year of Consecrated Life: USCCB –…

Support Catholic religious in their mission, ministries, pope says

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During the Year of Consecrated Life, all Catholics are called to thank God for the gifts members of religious orders have given the church and the world, to join them in prayer and find practical ways to support them and their ministries, Pope Francis said. “Let them know the affection and…

Pope issues letter for Year of Consecrated Life

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis issued a letter for the Year of Consecrated Life, which will start throughout the universal Church on the first Sunday of Advent, 30 November. The observance will end on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, 2 February 2016. In his message, the Pope underlined the aims of…

Changing times may call for changes in religious orders, pope says

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Religious orders and the Vatican congregation that assists them must be bold in assessing whether current structures and practices help or hinder the proclamation of the Gospel, the pursuit of holiness and the service of the poor, Pope Francis said. “We must not be afraid to leave ‘old wineskins,’ that is,…

Indulgences for the Year of Consecrated Life

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November 28, 2014 Vatican City (VIS) – The Holy Father, on the occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life, will concede plenary indulgences, with the customary conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer in keeping with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) to all members of the institutes of consecrated life and other truly repentant…

Church to open Year for Consecrated Life

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(Vatican Radio) The Catholic Church will open the Year for Consecrated Life on the first Sunday of Advent, with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will preside in the name of Pope Francis, who will be…

Year of Consecrated Life events to help laity learn more about religious

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WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an effort to help lay Catholics gain a deeper understanding of religious life, priests, brothers and women religious intend to open their convents, monasteries, abbeys and religious houses to the public one day next February. “If you’ve ever wondered what a brother or religious sister does all day, you will find…