On the occasion of the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life, to be celebrated on 2 February 2026, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has addressed a letter to consecrated persons throughout the world, encouraging them to live their vocation as a prophecy of presence and as authentic seeds of peace in contexts where human dignity is wounded and faith is put to the test.
The letter, entitled “Prophecy of Presence: Consecrated Life Where Dignity Is Wounded and Faith Is Tested”, is signed by Sister Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery, together with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect, and Tiziana Merletti, Secretary. The text arises from the experience gathered during the pastoral visits carried out by the Dicastery in different parts of the world.
The message highlights the reality of many consecrated persons who live and serve in contexts marked by conflict, poverty, forced migration, violence, and social exclusion. In these situations, consecrated life presents itself as a sign of hope that remains close to the most vulnerable, offering closeness, listening, and accompaniment.
The Dicastery emphasizes that remaining does not mean passivity or resignation, but rather a courageous choice for commitment and daily fidelity. This presence takes concrete form in simple gestures of welcome, in words that foster dialogue, and in attitudes that promote reconciliation and peace, even when the path proves difficult.
The letter also highlights the richness of the different forms of consecrated life—apostolic and contemplative life, secular institutes, Ordo virginum, and eremitical life—recalling that all share the same mission: to be a living word of hope for today’s world.
The message concludes with gratitude to consecrated persons for their silent and persevering witness and encourages them to continue being a faithful presence and builders of peace in the Church and in society.
