In a rare and momentous gathering in recognition of the Jubilee Year, more than 40 religious organisations across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains united at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta to celebrate their shared commitment to God’s ministry on 2 February 2025, the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
Instituted in 1997 by Saint John Paul II, the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life intended to “help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels”.
St John Paul II wrote in his post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata that consecrated life “is at the very heart of the Church”.
Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The occasion was beautifully enhanced by the celestial voices of the cathedral’s choir, whose transcendent melodies lifted the spirit of the special Mass. The large talented choir harked the dedicated hymn for the year Jubilee, the tones of which filled every chamber of the cathedral and the hearts of those who celebrated: stirring flames of hope this Jubilee Year.
St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The Marist Brothers (FMS), Sisters of Mercy Parramatta (RSM), Somascan Fathers and Brothers (CRS)s, Schoenstatt Sisters (ISMM) and the Poor Clares (OSC) were among 44 religious orders and congregations represented at this year’s solemn Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; remembered by Christians as the day the baby Jesus was revealed to the aged Simeon and his wife Anna as the light of the nations.
The Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, celebrated the Mass in the packed cathedral, with standing room only, and recognised the humble service of all consecrated men and women in the Diocese of Parramatta.
“We give thanks not simply for the work that religious do, great or small, seen or unseen, among the mainstream society or on the margins,” Bishop Vincent said in his homily.
“As long as the consecrated men and women are illuminated by Christ and His Gospel, there is always hope for the Church despite all appearances to the contrary,” he said.
“We give thanks to God, above all, for their selfless embodiment of the Gospel.”
Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Bishop Vincent also acknowledged the many religious congregations who have served in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in the past, including the pioneering men and women from consecrated life who began their ministry 186 years ago.
“As we pray today, we pray with gratitude, we pray with hope,” he said.
Prior to the Mass, a candle procession outside the Cathedral took place in the spirit of ‘Candlemas’, which represented Jesus as the light of Israel and commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
Conventual Franciscans light their candle for their religious order. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
As the consecrated men and women gathered outside the cathedral, candles representing the various religious orders and congregations were blessed by the Bishop.
Blessing the candles. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Candle bearers for each congregation then entered the cathedral in a slow, mindful procession, alongside the ministers and bishop, before displaying the flickering candles in the centre of the cathedral.
Candle procession on World day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Candles places in the Cathedral. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Capuchin Franciscan Friar and Assistant Priest at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, Fr John Nguyen OFM, was one of the attendees at the Mass. Fr John reflected on significance of the candle procession in today’s world.
“To have every single lit candle glowing in the centre of the cathedral was very symbolic of the fact we are all a part of the rebuilding of the Church,” he said, as he wore his brown Franciscan habit – a symbol of simplicity and poverty in the tradition of its founder, St Francis of Assisi. The traditional habit provides a witness to the world that the Church is visible, alive and active in this year of Jubilee.
Mass for Consecrated Life. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
So much to celebrate
According to educator Sr Catherine Slattery SGS, from the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict, the Mass marked another special occasion.
“It happens to be our Foundation Day, so this has always been a very special feast for us,” Sr Catherine said, smiling broadly.
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedictine were co-founded in Sydney in 1857 by Archbishop John Bede Polding, and Mother Scholastica Gibbons, an Irish Sister of Charity.
“It was lovely to be here together,” said Sr Catherine. “I think the notion of many charisms is a treasure in our Church.
“I see it like a jewel; everyone is attracted to a particular aspect of the Gospel.”
The day was also of particular importance to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who also celebrated their 150th anniversary since the foundation of their congregation, as well as the Sisters of Joseph, as it highlighted the pilgrimage aspect of the Jubilee Year, with Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop the focus of six pilgrimages in Australia.
Sr Carmel Bennett CMR said being a Franciscan Missionary of Mary since 1975 had given her the freedom to follow Christ in her daily life, whatever the need.
“It’s not about the work, it’s about giving of yourself freely,” said Sr Carmel, who is a high school teacher by profession.
“We, in our vows formula, give our lives for the salvation of the world.”
Charism is a path to a joyful life, the Sisters agreed.
These charisms vary from order to order; including serving in God’s mission through Catholic education in the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition; and striving towards spiritual childhood as Sisters of Mary, Queen of the World. The Capuchin Friars’ Rule of St Francis helps the fraternity of priests and brothers live the charism of St Francis in present times.
Congregations of sisters in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Sr Justina Pham CMR, a mother superior of the Mary Queen of the World Australia, Granville, observed that “while we’re little”, the annual Sunday celebration helps ensure “we feel part of the whole”.
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