Building up the Church

The life consecrated through the profession of the evangelical counsels is a stable form of living by which the faithful, following Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit, are totally dedicated to God who is loved most of all, so that, having been dedicated by a new and special title to His honor, to the building up of the Church, and to the salvation of the world, they strive for the perfection of charity in the service of the kingdom of God and, having been made an outstanding sign in the Church, foretell the heavenly glory. ~ Code of Canon Law, 573.1

Today we celebrate the feast of the dedication of the "Mother" of Churches, the Basilica of St. John Lateran. St. John Lateran, as the Pope's Cathedral Church, holds a preeminent place in the life of the Church and this feast presents us with the opportunity to thank God for the gift of His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Our life of consecration is intimately connected with the life of the Church. We strive to live our charism of evangelization Ex Corde Ecclesiae, at the heart of the Church. Faithful to the Magisterium, our teaching the truths of the faith builds up the Body of Church. Our very consecration, the total giving of self to Christ, mirrors the relationship between the Church and Christ, the Divine Bridegroom. We pray that all who see us may be brought to consider Christ and His loving Mother, and through us may come to the fullness of truth and ultimately to the splendor of heaven.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!