One Year Later: Consecrated Life Continues Its Pilgrimage of Hope
More than a year has passed since the gathering of consecrated men and women in Rome for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, held from February 1st to 4th, 2024, to receive the mandate. The event was a profound moment of communion, prayer, and reflection, bringing together religious from across the world to celebrate their vocation and mission within the Church.
In this interview, we hear from Fr. Reggi, representative for Religious Men, and Marianne, representing Consecrated Virgins from Denmark. Their reflections provide insight into how the experience of the Jubilee continues to resonate in their communities and personal lives.
How would you summarize your experience at the International Encounter of Consecrated Life in a single sentence?
The testimonies from the participants reflect a deep spiritual renewal and a reinforced commitment to their vocation.
“The International Encounter in Rome was a spiritually enriching and awakening experience, emphasizing the significance of Consecrated Life, in a secularized world, building bridges, deepening friendships, and being pilgrims together as peacemakers in our local communities.” (Marianne Groesmeyer, OV)
“A very blessed experience where I understood my specific role and the role of the Consecrated in working for peace in the world.” (Edmond Reginald Saviripillai)
"First of all, I feel blessed to have been able to participate in this international meeting in Rome, organized by the dicastery for consecrated life. For me, it was a rare experience where I was able to share my own feelings and views and was able to listen to others coming from different parts of the world. The conference made me realize that the Catholic Church has a unique role to play in the world, in working for world peace and within the Church, the consecrated individuals and communities have a significant role to play in working for the same goal. But just as we say, 'charity begins at home', this process of working for peace should start from me and from my community. First, we need to work for peace and justice among us before we engage in any activity outside our communities regarding world peace." (Edmond Reginald Saviripillai)
Are there any initiatives that you are bringing to your home country/diocese as a fruit of the conference?
Participants are eager to translate their experiences into concrete actions within their communities, including fostering dialogue among different religious congregations, organizing local initiatives for youth engagement, and strengthening bonds between various forms of Consecrated Life.
"As I represent the religious men, here in Denmark, I am planning to meet with the consecrated men of other Congregations and share with them my own experience of living the international meeting in Rome." (Edmond Reginald Saviripillai)
"The conference in Rome brought us, from Denmark, a profound realization of the urgent need to recommit ourselves to fostering friendly and supportive relationships among members of Consecrated Life in our country. Our time in Rome has reignited our determination and optimism to actively collaborate and create an atmosphere of openness as we prepare for the upcoming Jubilee year. Marianne acknowledges the importance of engaging in this preparation alongside other forms of Consecrated Life through collaboration in local initiatives. Following our experiences in Rome, meetings among members of Consecrated Life (the 3 representatives) have already begun, aiming to deepen our relationships and prepare us for reaching out to our local communities. The Conferences gave us encouragement to attempt to start shared initiatives among Consecrated Life and the youth for the preparation for the Jubilee Year." (Marianne Groesmeyer, OV)
What would you say to those considering coming to Rome for the Jubilee year?
Participants encourage others to join them in Rome with an open heart, emphasizing unity and peace.
"The Jubilee Year beckons us to meet in Rome in 2025 as Consecrated Life, in all its various forms and expressions. Let us gather as brothers, sisters, and pilgrims of peace, bringing hope to a lacerated humanity. From every corner of the earth, let us come and celebrate together in Rome with open minds, free from prejudice towards one another. Let us meet with open hearts, welcoming each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, recognizing that as pilgrims, we can bear witness to the hope that all seek in Christ. As I represent the Consecrated Virgins, I will continue meeting with other consecrated virgins, as we have monthly for many years and share the experience and encourage them to take an active role in the preparation for the Jubilee Year and in meeting with other forms of Consecrated Life." (Marianne Groesmeyer)
"I would tell them to start preparing for this event right now so that our celebration in Rome will be a meaningful celebration." (Edmond Reginald Saviripillai)
If someone cannot come to Rome, how can they celebrate from their home parish?
For those unable to make the pilgrimage, there are meaningful ways to participate locally, such as joining in prayer groups, attending special liturgical celebrations, and engaging in spiritual reflections that align with the themes of the Jubilee Year.
"If people are not able to come to Rome, they can organize some activities where they will be able to join spiritually with those who celebrate in Rome." (Edmond Reginald Saviripillai)
"For those who, for various reasons, cannot participate in the celebrations in Rome, there are alternative ways to be united. Within the Diocese, there are designated Churches and national Pilgrimage sites to visit. Making the Jubilee prayer a daily practice and participating online—on the internet, there is the site: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/segni-del-giubileo.html where many resources are available. Another approach is to gather with others in the parish to engage in scripture reading, meditation, liturgies, reconciliation, and prayers. Let us remain focused on the theme of HOPE and acknowledge that we are all pilgrims journeying together. Regardless of whether or not we can travel to Rome, we are all united in the celebration." (Marianne Groesmeyer)
Final wish:
"May the Jubilee Year bring hope to a lacerated humanity, and may we – in Consecrated Life - be pilgrims bearing witness to this hope." (Marianne, OV)