On 2nd February, 2015 the Sisters of Mercy in Athlone were joined by members of six local Congregations for a celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life. The Congregations present were: Disciples of the Divine Master, Presentation Sisters, Sisters of La Sainte Union, Marist Brothers, Franciscan Friars and a Divine Word Missionary.

The Liturgical Celebration took place in the Chapel in Dun Mhuire where a specially designed logo with the caption, ‘Wake up the World’, was placed on the altar. It was surrounded by lights and by flowers.

The opening song ‘Wake the World with Dawning Joy’, based on the words of Pope Francis to the Consecrated Religious of the World, gave a spirited expression to the themes of faith, hope, love and joy. This was followed by a reading from the First Chapter of St. John’s Gospel in which two of John’s disciples find Jesus. After he invites them to join him they willingly responded to his call. Then there was a solo rendition of Psalm 95 – ‘Sing to the Lord Alleluia, Sing to the Lord’.

Following this seven extracts from the letter of Pope Francis were read by members of the Congregations present. Each reading was followed by an appropriate prayer and by a sung response.

Then, together, everybody renewed his/her vows before reciting the Prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life. All sang ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always, and Again I say Rejoice’ before the celebration concluded with an exultant organ recital.

Prayer cards, with a special prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life composed by Fr. John Cullen of the Diocese of Elphin, were presented to each person as they made their way to the dining room where the traditional ‘cuppa’ and lavish goodies were enjoyed by all.

Teresa Sheerin rsm
Western Province