A Letter from Bishop James F. Checchio for World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Consecrated Life, 

On Wednesday, February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. My thoughts and prayers turn in appreciation to you my brothers and sisters who have presented yourselves through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience for the service of Christ and His Church. You serve the Church, in particular the Church of Metuchen, in specialized areas of ministry in all seasons of life; and you serve faithfully in good times and in bad. I appreciate you even more now, especially those who are elderly and unwell as you continue to patiently give of yourselves in responding to the challenges of the pandemic and to being in and out of quarantine, isolation, and other related restrictions. All this keeps you from being with the people of God, to whom you have given your life. It has been tough! 

Please know of my love, prayer and gratitude for you as gift to the Church of Metuchen. The men and women in consecrated life have been an integral part of the fabric of our beloved diocese, not only on February 2nd, but over these forty years since the founding. May your life of prayer, works of charity, and sacrifices continue to shine brightly in bearing witness to Christ and to foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May Our Lady of Guadalupe give you the gifts and graces you need at this time to persevere in your consecrated life. 

With renewed best wishes, I remain

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen