World Day of Consecrated Life: Archbishop Martins Urges Religious to Be Beacons of Hope

World Day of Consecrated Life: Archbishop Martins Urges Religious to Be Beacons of Hope

As the global Catholic Church marked World Day of Consecrated Life on February 2, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on consecrated men and women to be sources of hope in a world struggling with uncertainty and despair.

In his message to religious men and women serving in the Archdiocese of Lagos, the Archbishop, reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, underscored the significance of hope in their vocation. Quoting St. Teresa of Calcutta, he said, "Hope is the anchor of the soul."

Recognizing the indispensable role of consecrated persons in the Church, Archbishop Martins affirmed:
"You are the present and the future. At present, you actively participate in the life of your congregations. In the future, you will take on leadership and formation responsibilities for those coming after you."

Acknowledging the spiritual, physical, and emotional challenges faced by religious men and women—including exhaustion, criticism, and self-doubt—the Archbishop urged them to remain steadfast in faith. He reminded them that their mission is vital in bringing light to a world in need, stating:

"A whole world awaits you – men and women who have lost hope, broken homes struggling with love, families in distress, hungry and abandoned children, youth without a future, the elderly and the sick … your witness can bring hope to these and help them journey to Christ."

He further emphasized that consecrated life is a divine gift to the Church, with religious men and women serving as living testimonies of poverty, chastity, and obedience—values that inspire dedication to God and service to humanity.

Expressing deep gratitude for the immense contributions of religious men and women in pastoral, spiritual, and social work across the Archdiocese, Archbishop Martins commended them to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The World Day of Consecrated Life, established by Pope Saint John Paul II, is celebrated annually on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Archdiocese of Lagos, which has 229 parishes across 20 Deaneries, benefits from the service of 247 male religious priests and 326 female religious from 27 congregations, who continue to play a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the region.