La Ceiba, Honduras - Feast of the Presentation / Day of Consecrated Life

Bishop Michael blessing the candles at the entrance of the church.

On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. According to ancient practice, on that day - if possible - candles are blessed outside of church and carried in procession inside. This act symbolizes the entrance of the Infant Christ into the Temple. During his pontificate, Pope John Paul II also proclaimed February 2nd as the Day of Consecrated Life in the Church. In La Ceiba, the Day of Consecrated Life is celebrated by a special Mass celebrated by the bishop for the religious of diocese.

The religious enter the church in procession (above),
and participate in Mass (below).

It was a beautiful opportunity for me to see the variety and strength of the different spiritual families and expressions of consecrated life present in the Diocese of La Ceiba, and for all of us to be renewed and encouraged by the words of the bishop and the presence of one another. The local Christian Family Movement graciously prepared and served a wonderful meal of appreciation for the religious sisters, brothers and priests of the diocese.

At the dinner prepared by the Christian Family Movement (above and below).