During Pope Francis’ Nov. 28-30 apostolic visit to Turkey, there will be an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the first Sunday of Advent to celebrate the start of the Church’s year dedicated to consecrated life.
The Vatican made the announcement this Saturday, noting that Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will preside at the Nov. 30 Mass, in the name of the Holy Father.
During the last day of the 82nd General Assembly of the Union of Superior Generals in Rome this month last year, Pope Francis called for 2015 to be dedicated to consecrated life.
More recently, this January, the Vatican held a press conference to speak on details of the year’s theme.
Cardinal Braz de Aviz, specifically, gave its three objectives: to provide help to religious at a time of crisis in the Church, to “evangelize” the vocation, and to mark two key anniversaries, namely “the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and, more specifically, the 50th anniversary of the publication of the conciliar decree on the renewal of consecrated life Perfectae caritatis.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Dedication Announcement: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-dedicates-2015-to-year-of-consecrated-life
Plans for Year Dedicated to Consecrated Life: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/vatican-unveils-year-for-consecrated-life-plans
