On Feb. 4, Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker, in Bishop Raica’s stead, marked the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Dominicans, Benedictines, Guadalupanas, and other religious from across the diocese filled the front pews as the faithful packed the cathedral to honor the women and men who have answered the call to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all people.

During his homily, Bishop Baker noted, “We are so blessed to have many men and women who have consecrated themselves totally to serving Him—mind, body, soul through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.” The bishop went on to remark that so many are in search for the Lord, but they don’t know how or where to find Him. “The consecrated religious,” he explained, “help us discover His presence by the witness of their dedicated lives.”

Referencing the first reading of the day, Bishop Baker observed, “The lack of hope Job describes is so often seen in the society of today,” for hope in institutions, leaders, and even the Church has been lost. However, consecrated religious, he continued, “seek to carry out the new evangelization … new in expressions, new in methods, new in ardor!” Whether it be through a charism of education, healthcare, or media evangelization, religious orders share their Gospel spirit with zeal. That reality, the bishop concluded, is the very reason why the faithful should look to consecrated men and women “to discover the person and message of Jesus Christ.”

Each year at the Mass for consecrated religious, jubilarians are recognized. This year's jubilarians are Sister Emilie Schmitt, O.S.B. (75 years); Abbot Marcus Voss, O.S.B. (60 years); Sister Cecilia Mac Dermott, O.S.B. (60 years); and Sister Obdulia Olivar, M.G.Sp.S. (50 years). The late Abbot Victor Clark, O.S.B., who passed away Jan. 27, 2024, was also recognized as a 75-year jubilarian.