Philippine Religious Celebrate World Day of Consecrated Life, Emphasize Role as Builders of Peace

To mark the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) held a national celebration on February 2 at St. Joseph’s College, Quezon City, Metro Manila, bringing together more than 300 consecrated men and women from across the country.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr., CMF, of the Diocese of Cubao and Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In his homily, Bishop Ayuban emphasized that consecrated life is defined not merely by vocation, but by the faithful manner in which it is lived.

“Consecrated life refers more to our response than to the call itself,” the bishop said. “What qualifies us as consecrated persons is the way we live our lives in fidelity to the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. It is not simply a title, but a daily witness.”

He explained that the evangelical counsels, far from being restrictions, are sources of freedom that enable consecrated persons to stand in solidarity with the suffering.

“Our life of chastity, poverty, and obedience frees us from attachments that bind many hearts,” he said. “It allows us to become witnesses of simplicity, self-gift, and solidarity in a wounded and fragmented world.”

Addressing the realities of contemporary society, where success is often measured by productivity and visibility, the bishop noted that consecrated life offers a countercultural witness rooted in prayer and faithfulness.

“Being consecrated is not about efficiency or constant busyness,” he said. “It is about waiting on the Lord, nurturing our interior life, and remaining open to His surprises. In a world focused on numbers and performance, our patience, prayer, and fidelity become a radical sign of hope.”

Bishop Ayuban also stressed the communal nature of consecrated life, noting that it is meant to be lived in fraternity rather than isolation.

“The light of Christ is never meant to be carried alone,” he said. “Faith is received, safeguarded, and made visible within a community, not in isolation.”

This spirit of communion was evident in the gathering, as religious from diverse congregations and charisms came together in shared prayer and mission.

“There are no small or big charisms,” he added. “Each is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When lived in collaboration rather than competition, the community becomes a living candelabrum, where every small flame draws strength from the others.”

The bishop further cautioned against the use of divisive language within the Church, especially in promoting vocations and describing congregations.

“Words that divide do not help us become prophets of peace,” he said. “Our vocation calls us to build communion, not rivalry.”

This year’s observance carried the theme “Consecrated Persons: Prophetic Witnesses of Peace in a Wounded World,” highlighting the mission of consecrated men and women both within the Church and in society.

The reflection concluded with an affirmation of consecrated life as a gift of the Holy Spirit for the good of the entire Church.

“Consecrated life is a light for the world and a reminder that God is always faithful,” Bishop Ayuban said. “You are a blessing — messengers and prophets of peace.”

The World Day of Consecrated Life, instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, is celebrated annually on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The observance invites the Church to give thanks for the gift of consecrated life, to deepen appreciation of this vocation, and to encourage religious men and women to renew their commitment to following Christ more closely.