On February 2, 2025, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church celebrated the 29th annual Day of Consecrated Life, a day of prayer for those who have offered their lives to God in religious Orders and congregations.
At the Basilica in Niepokalanów, this special day was commemorated during a Mass at 11:30 a.m. The Most Reverend Piotr KLESZCZ, OFM Conv., Auxiliary Bishop of Łódź, Poland, presided. Bishop KLESZCZ is originally from the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). Among the concelebrants were several priests, including the Pastor, Friar Andrzej SĄSIADEK and the Guardian, Friar Piotr SZCZEPAŃSKI. The local friars and the sisters who serve at the friary in Niepokalanów, gave thanks to God for the gift of their vocation to consecrated life.
In his homily, Bishop KLESZCZ spoke about the generosity of God, who offers wonderful gifts to his children. “Today is the Day of Consecrated Life. Those who have lived religious consecration for many years know that they have received a great grace, given to them by God. St. Maximilian KOLBE gave his life without expecting anything in return; he knew that his was a gift in one direction only. We too, when we offer something, let us try to make sure that our gift of the heart is selfless,” encouraged Bishop KLESZCZ
At the end of the Mass, the Guardian of Niepokalanów, on behalf of all consecrated persons, thanked God for the gift of the vocation to religious life and recited the act of renewal of religious vows.
Friar Franciszek CZARNOWSKI
Photo: Friar Mieczysław WOJTAK
