On Saturday February 2nd the Religious of the diocese gathered together in St Mary's Cathedral for their annual special Mass together.
This Mass, organised by the Diocesan Association for Religious, took place on Candlemas, and at the start of Mass candles were distributed and blessed.
Religious from all parts of the diocese were welcomed to the Cathedral for this joyful and inspiring celebration. The main Celebrant was Fr John Cooper, the Diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Religious; he was joined by Fr Oliver Keyes, Fr Peter Leighton and Fr Chris Warren. The homily was given by Fr Oliver Keyes.
Fr Oliver, who is a a Redemptorist working at St Benets, Sunderland, focussed on the theme of the religious life and the priesthood today and the challenges and opportunities these present in contemporary society. He spoke of a 'community of charisms' and how this was such a great resource in the consecrated life. Each charism, he said, was a different way of "reflecting the fire of God".
He spoke of the ability of consecrated life to raise questions to challenge a secular age: "Why do people live this life?"
Seeing religious live the consecrated life could speak prophetically and vibrantly to people today, so many of whom are on a 'Journey' or 'Search' for meaning, truth and belonging. "On this Feast of the Presentation", he told the Religious gathered together, "when the face of Jesus Christ was revealed to Simeon and Anna, let us remember that in everything we do we show the face of Christ to one another and to all those who cross our paths."
