Celebrating the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life

2 February 2026 marks the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life, celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas). The day was instituted by St John Paul II in 1997 and is an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of consecrated life and to pray for women and men religious.

To mark the occasion, the National Office for Vocations (NOV) has made available a range of resources for use in parishes, schools, and religious communities. These include a pastoral letter, prayers of the faithful, resources for school assemblies, and a prayer card.

NOV is also inviting Religious and priests to take part in online Zoom sessions with Catholic schools across England and Wales. These sessions give students the opportunity to hear vocation stories, ask questions, and learn more about religious life and ministry.

In addition, NOV is currently producing a short film offering a glimpse into a day in the life of a woman religious. The film highlights community prayer, shared life, and the wide range of ministries undertaken by religious communities, and is intended as a resource for discernment and vocation promotion.

Further information and resources are available via the National Office for Vocations website.