Brazil’s Joyful Celebration of Consecrated Life

Ji-Paraná Marist Sisters Community: celebrating faith and vocation in Brazil

Did you know that in Brazil, there are two days on which they celebrate Religious Men and Women in Consecrated Life? Around the world The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2nd February is the traditional celebration of Consecrated Religious Life. On this day, the Church also honours Our Lady of the Light, known in Brazil as Our Lady of the Candles (Nossa Senhora das Candeias).

In Brazil, however, there is another special celebration of Consecrated Life on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Because this feast day is no longer a public holiday — due to the country’s large Protestant and Evangelical population — the celebration was moved to the third Sunday of August.

In Brazil the month of August is dedicated to highlighting Vocations:

• The first Sunday celebrates Priesthood (Day of the Priest)
• The second Sunday celebrates Parents’ Day and Family Life
• The third Sunday marks the Feast of the Assumption and Consecrated Life
• The fourth Sunday highlights the Lay Vocation, especially that of catechists

In Ji-Paraná, the Sisters joined the parish community for Mass with the Salesian priests. During the celebration, they were warmly honored for their witness and dedication to consecrated life — a joyful reminder of the richness and diversity of vocations that enliven the Church in Brazil.