A great celebration and Mass of Thanksgiving for the 17 different consecrated communities in the Diocese of Lancaster where we: Gratefully remembered the past, living the present passionately and embracing the future with hope.
Bishop Michael Campbell was joined by priests from across the diocese. In his homily he considered the past, present and future contribution and challenge of those present and those who had gone before. He began by referring to Pope Francis' recent mass in New York also celebrating the calling to consecrated life, 'When did you hear the call?' A question we might ask ourselves.
Thinking about the present, he acknowledged the changing world from that of the original founders of the communities, and thanked those present for the communication of the Good News they made, by being their support for the lonely, the sick, those in need. He explained how their witness highlighted that in both the past and present how those called to consecrated life were a great witness of constancy and stability which has had a great impact.
Looking to the future Bishop Michael drew attention to the many gifts given to those present and reminded us of the words of St Paul, who talks about how the gifts of the Holy Spirit enrich the individual and the Body of Christ bearing much fruit.
Each community brought with them a symbol which was described in the service sheet, over the coming weeks we'll share images and information about different communities across the Diocese.
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| Members of Lancaster Diocese Consecrated Communities |
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| Service Sheet |
Thinking about the present, he acknowledged the changing world from that of the original founders of the communities, and thanked those present for the communication of the Good News they made, by being their support for the lonely, the sick, those in need. He explained how their witness highlighted that in both the past and present how those called to consecrated life were a great witness of constancy and stability which has had a great impact.
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| Offertory: Marie Worden, Cathedral parishioner member of Company of St Ursula |
Looking to the future Bishop Michael drew attention to the many gifts given to those present and reminded us of the words of St Paul, who talks about how the gifts of the Holy Spirit enrich the individual and the Body of Christ bearing much fruit.
Each community brought with them a symbol which was described in the service sheet, over the coming weeks we'll share images and information about different communities across the Diocese.
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| Table with symbols for consecrated life |