On Feb. 2, the Church’s World Day for Consecrated Life, Bishop Raica celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul with representatives from religious orders serving within the Diocese of Birmingham present. The day also marked Candlemas, or the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2. This feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.” Locally, religious celebrating a jubilee anniversary are recognized at a luncheon following Mass. This year Abbot Emeritus Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. (60th jubilee); Sister Rosa Cruz-Plaza, M.G.Sp.S. (50th jubilee), and Sister Mary Juliana Cox, O.P. (25th jubilee) were honored.