The Diocesan observance of World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated on Sunday afternoon, February 9, with Evening Prayer at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton. Bishop Arthur Serratelli was the principal celebrant.

About 250 participants, representing more than 25 religious congregations of men and women, clergy and laity, joined their voices in this liturgical prayer of the Church. The theme of the Evening Prayer was “You Are the Light of the World.” The homily was delivered by Father Christopher Van Haight, O.F.M. and the Intercessions were proclaimed in Italian, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, Korean and English. Cantors included Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, FMA, Novice Sr. Mathilde and Postulant Sara-Marie Shepis, SCC, Father Hilary O’Leary, OSB, and music students Isabella Bucci and Robert Moroney from Morris Catholic High School. A group of accomplished MCHS students and their Music Director, Ms. Lynda Veech, joined the Religious in providing instrumental and vocal musical support to the psalms, hymns and canticles.

A Call to Prayer included a reflection on the “light” which consecrated life has been for the People of God. The Entrance Procession featured a photo of Venerable Sr. Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a Sister of Charity of St Elizabeth from Convent Station. Her Beatification is pending, since a miracle attributed through her intercession, has now been accepted by the Church. Sister Miriam Teresa died at the early age of 26 and was a graduate of the College of St. Elizabeth here. She will be the first New Jersey native to be Beatified and the first “Blessed” to be beatified here in the United States.

A reception and socializing in the school hall followed Evening Prayer.

(The following photos are by Rich Gigli)

Sr. Mary Canavan, SC, Vice Postulator of the Cause, carries a portrait of Sr. Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, SC

Students from Assumption College for Sisters, Mendham, in the Entrance Procession

Fr. Hilary O’Leary, OSB