By Mercy Sister Berneice Loch, President of Catholic Religious Australia
THERE are many reasons for religious women and men all over the world to be rejoicing this year.
The season of Advent ushers in the Year of Consecrated Life until it ends on February 2, 2016.
We at Catholic Religious Australia hope this period will not only celebrate and showcase the joy, vitality and gifts of consecrated life, but also help deepen a renewed understanding of the calling to religious life and where this fits in a Church in which every person is called to live out their baptismal call. Thus this Christmas and the next can be particularly significant as we reflect on our Christian vocation and the rebirth of the Christ child in our lives.
Christmas is the wonderful feast of God’s presence among us in Jesus, and the reminder that we, all the baptised, are to continue to be Christ’s ongoing presence.
May religious women and men everywhere embrace the call from Pope Francis to “Wake up the World” by walking with people experiencing poverty, and being advocates for those who have no voice.
May God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas.
