Contemplative life, a call to illuminate the world

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Lk 11:28). With these words from Sacred Scripture we prepare to celebrate, with joy and gratitude, Pro Orantibus Day, which falls on 21 November, the liturgical memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

On this occasion the Church prays for those whom the Lord has called to the contemplative life, for those communities that, “even in the simplicity of their lives, visibly depict the goal toward which the entire ecclesial community walks, which, ardent in action and dedicated to contemplation, advances on the roads of time with its gaze fixed on the future recapitulation of all things in Christ” (cf. Cor Orans 159). In daily prayer, they experience the beauty of “presenting” people and events to the Lord, entrusted to their intercession. In common life, they seek to live “authentic fraternal relationships, marked by true charity and goodness.” (Cor Orans, 246), which become a prophecy of communion “that powerfully manifests in the society marked by divisions and inequalities, that life in common is both possible and fulfilling” (Vultum Dei Quaerere, 26). Through work, experienced as “a serene and joyful service to God and the community” (Cor Orans, 247), they “participate in the work of the Creator in creation”. 

With special gratitude we turn our thoughts to those who have served and are serving at the Nuns Assistance Secretariat (SAM), entity erected more than 70 years ago that, in conjunction with the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (Diclsal), Promotes initiatives for women’s monasteries, responding to requests from different parts of the world.