On Saturday, January 31, the halls of Holy Family Home were filled with vibrant energy. With his usual wit, Resident Vince G. declared, “We’re being overrun with nuns!” He eyed 31 Sisters, from seven congregations, who had come together with our 12 Little Sisters of the Poor, to mark the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
The heart of the celebration was the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Seeing 43 women religious — representing a diverse tapestry of charisms, ministries, nationalities, and ages all serving in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia — was a powerful visual reminder of the Church’s universality.
In his homily, our Chaplain, Father James Sullivan, reminded us of the two reasons Pope John Paul II inaugurated the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life in 1997:
- To promote appreciation of consecrated life among all the faithful, helping the entire Church to value the witness of those who follow the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- To provide those in consecrated life an annual opportunity to return to the sources of their vocation, renew their commitment, and celebrate the “marvels” God has accomplished through them.
Following the Mass, the visiting Sisters were given a tour of our recently renovated Home. For several, this was a sentimental journey, remembering their parents and relatives who spent their last days here. Others were delighted to rediscover this landmark they knew when growing up in Most Blessed Sacrament Parish. The fellowship that followed was the highlight of the afternoon. It wasn’t just about “tea ‘n treats,” it was about:
- Sharing Stories
Sisters from different orders exchanged experiences from their various apostolates—education, healthcare, social work, and contemplative prayer. - Laughter and Connection
Despite the differences in their specific missions, the common bond of their “Yes” to God created an instant and deep connection.
“To see so many Sisters under one roof is a glimpse of heaven. We may wear different habits, but we all wear the same love for Christ in our hearts,” mused one of the visiting Sisters.
As the day came to a close, the participants felt rejuvenated.
The 2026 theme is “Consecrated Persons: Prophetic Witnesses of Peace in a Wounded World.” Together, we must go forward with renewed commitment to our calling.
