The World Day of Consecrated Life, which is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, February 2, "is an opportunity to recognize the gift of consecrated life and to say that their dedication and their loving service to the Church is light for the world, and promotes peace and reconciliation", stressed His Exc. Mgr. José Alejandro Castaño Arbeláez, Bishop of Cartago, President of the Episcopal Commission for consecrated life, in the note sent to Fides.
"Consecrated people in Colombia have been present since the first evangelization - the Bishop continues - in different areas, by proclaiming the Gospel in the field of education, health, work with the poorest; with great missionary spirit they have brought the Gospel to diverse populations, with their poor, chaste and obedient life".
In this feast we are called to recognize the gift of consecrated life as "an expression of God’s love and tenderness", urges Mgr. Castaño Arbeláez, who calls consecrated people to be "joyful promoters of peace and reconciliation".