Asian religious join global celebration of Jubilee of Consecrated Life in Rome

Over 16,000 consecrated men and women from nearly 100 countries, including large delegations from Asia, gathered in Rome from October 8 to 12 for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, a major highlight of the Jubilee Year 2025.

Promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the event became a living testimony of faith, hope, and communion for the universal Church.

Pilgrims of Hope Open the Jubilee

The Jubilee opened on October 8 with a pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing a passage into a time of grace. Religious brothers and sisters, monks and nuns, members of secular institutes, hermits, and new communities joined in prayer and song, many carrying banners and cultural symbols from their communities.

For many Asian religious, this moment was deeply spiritual. “For me, it’s truly a great gift and a grace from God to be here,” said Sister Lely, a Filipina Servant of Jesus of Charity. “It strengthens my faith and allows me to give testimony to young people about the beauty and joy of consecrated life.”

The Prayer Vigil that evening, led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, reflected on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope on the Paths of Peace.” Testimonies from different parts of the world highlighted consecrated life as a source of peace in conflict zones. The vigil concluded in prayerful silence and intercession for global peace.

Pope Leo XIV: “Ask, Seek, Knock”

On October 9, Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square, centering his homily on the Gospel of Luke (11:9): “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”

The Pope presented these three verbs as icons of the evangelical counsels:

• Ask through poverty, acknowledging everything as God’s gift.

• Seek through obedience, following God’s path each day.

• Knock through chastity and charity, bringing Christ’s love to others.

“For you, for us, the Lord is everything,” Pope Leo emphasized. “Through your consecrated life, you spread the ‘fresh air’ of authentic love throughout the world.” He urged consecrated persons to remain rooted in simplicity and to be signs of hope pointing toward “future goods.”

Consecrated Life in Dialogue with the City

In the afternoon, various forms of consecrated life held synodal gatherings across Rome. Asian religious participants actively participated, sharing songs, dances, and testimonies from their local missions.

Later in the evening, three Roman squares became spaces of dialogue:

• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele focused on universal fraternity,

• Piazza dei Mirti emphasized listening to the marginalized, and

• Piazza Don Bosco is centered on care for creation.

The vibrant presence of Asian communities enriched these encounters, expressing the Church’s universal mission through local cultures.

Voices from Asia: Witnesses of Faith

Joseph, a Vietnamese religious, celebrating his Golden Jubilee, shared his joy at being part of the Jubilee: “It is a special moment to realize that Jesus is among us and that we are called to follow Him more closely.” 

After 50 years of consecrated life, he continues to serve daily: “Every day, I offer myself to the Lord to share in His saving mission. I also grow together with my community in faith, love, and service.”

Both Joseph and Sister Lely expressed their desire to bring home renewed zeal to their communities in Asia. “I hope to bring home the deep faith and love that I’ve experienced here,” Sister Lely said. Joseph added, “I want to remind my fellow religious not to be afraid, because Jesus is our way, our truth, and our life.”

As the Jubilee unfolds, Asian consecrated men and women stand shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts from around the world, offering their cultural richness, missionary spirit, and deep faith. 

Their voices echo Pope Leo XIV’s invitation to ask, seek, and knock with trust, bringing God’s mercy and hope to a wounded world. From Rome, this pilgrimage of hope radiates back to parishes, schools, hospitals, and mission communities across Asia.

(Kasmir Nema, an SVD missionary based in the Vatican, contributes regularly to RVA and other Catholic platforms and magazines.)