Consecrated life as a sign of Christ’s light
By Heather Excell
Lives set apart for God stood as quiet witnesses to Christ’s light as consecrated men and women from across Tasmania gathered to celebrate the 30th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Held at St John’s Church, Glenorchy on 2 February the day coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commonly known as Candlemas.
Reflecting on Simeon’s recognition of Jesus as ‘a light to enlighten,’ Archbishop Tony Ireland said, “consecrated life, in its many expressions — whether contemplative, apostolic, cloistered, or engaged in active ministry — points to this same light that shines in the darkness.”
Drawing also on the words of the prophet Malachi, the Archbishop described consecrated life as a journey shaped by the “refiner’s fire.”
“The refining is not destruction, but transformation,” he said, describing consecrated life as a path to deeper freedom in Christ and a life more fully given in love.
The local celebration mirrored the wider Church’s focus on consecrated life. In his message for the occasion, Pope Leo reminded religious men and women that their vocation is inherently prophetic, calling them to be “prophets – messengers who announce the presence of the Lord and prepare the way for him.”
He encouraged consecrated communities to continue their witness through prayer, charity and a readiness to serve wherever the Gospel is most needed.
The Mass also offered an opportunity to give thanks for significant milestones within Tasmania’s consecrated life.
For the Presentation Sisters, the day marked 60 years since the beginning of their missionary outreach to Papua New Guinea.
Sr Majella Kelly PBVM explained that this mission was a collaborative effort between the six Presentation communities across Australia and was launched during the centenary year of their first Australian foundation in Richmond, Tasmania.
“They opened a school and later a centre where they conducted classes for adults and taught women to sew,” she said. “With basic medical training, the sisters also treated tropical ulcers, malaria, and infections of all kinds.”
The Presentation Sisters later established a novitiate in Papua New Guinea, forming up local sisters who continue to serve as teachers, pastoral workers, parish coordinators, nurses, IT consultants and members of diocesan pastoral teams.
The celebration also marked a personal milestone for Sr Patricia Kingsley PBVM, who commemorated the 80th anniversary of her religious profession. After celebrating her 100th birthday in September 2025, Sr Pat said she remembers her profession well and has spent her life striving to live the promises she made.
“There are many occasions where things will be extra special,” she said. “Just living one day at a time is what I’ve done.”
Beyond the milestones of religious life itself, the evening also highlighted the quiet impact consecrated men and women have had on generations of the faithful.
For Tammy Riley, a parishioner from St John’s Glenorchy, the evening stirred personal memories of the sisters who had shaped her childhood faith.
“It was very emotional for me,” she said. “I grew up in Maydena and we regularly had Missionary Sisters staying with us during their visits. So many beautiful memories came flooding back.”
She said she felt humbled to be present and deeply moved by the blessing and sharing of candles during the liturgy.
As the Church continues to give thanks for the witness of consecrated men and women, the celebration served as a reminder that their lives of prayer remain a living sign of Christ’s light in the world.