We had the great pleasure of having Fr. Matthew A. Keller, director of vocations for the diocese of Gallup; preside at a Mass for Consecrated Life on February 2nd. Pictured here with Fr. Keller are Sr. Rene Backe, CSA, diocesan vicar for religious, and Mother Andrea. Since our diocese extends into Arizona, many of our religious are scattered geographically; but there was a good representation of religious at our Mass.
Fr. Keller reminded us that the candles, which we blessed, are a symbol of the presence of God. At the time of our Baptism a candle is lighted to remind us of God’s presence not just among us, but in us at the time of our Baptism. In religious life too, a candle is often lit when consecrated persons make or renew their vows. That is why it is so significant to celebrate the Day for Consecrated Life on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the feast often called “Candlemas Day.”
