“Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire” (Malachi 3:1).

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!  On this celebration of the Presentation of the Lord, we also commemorate World Day of Consecrated Life, instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, a beautiful acknowledgement of the true Messenger of God and those messengers who profess a perpetual vow of chastity, poverty, and obedience to God as religious sisters, priests and brothers and those who promise perpetual virginity, as consecrated virgins. It is a time to pray for and with these holy women and men as they minister to us by living as the light of Christ.

There are twenty (20) different orders of women religious, two (2) Consecrated Virgins, and nineteen (19) different orders of men religious serving in the Diocese of Orlando.  Through their faith-filled service, we are touched as they bring God to each one for our strength and wisdom, that each person might grow in favor of God.

Join me in thanking these religious sisters, priests, brothers, and consecrated virgins, who dedicate their lives to God being a Eucharist to each one that His Kingdom binds the heavens to the earth now and forever.