According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website, this celebration is attached to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. Feb. 2 is also known as Candlemas, the day on which candles are blessed to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. Those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus to all people. 

The Diocese of Charleston celebrated this special day for religious men and women with Mass at the Chapel of the Holy Family in Charleston.

There is an incredible diversity of congregations, cultures and languages serving throughout South Carolina. The 71 attendees represented 10 religious orders of men and 23 religious orders of women. Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, a member of the Missionaries of St. Charles or Scalabrinians, was the celebrant. The bishop invited those present to share the specific charism of their congregation to show the many ways men and women serve in the diocese.

"It was a joy and a humble honor to have all gathered together to celebrate the consecrated life and to celebrate the joy of the Gospel," Sister Sandra Makowski said.

She is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, and the diocesan liaison for religious.

"Having this time together was a gift — and to celebrate the diversity as well as to celebrate the unity of one mind and one heart in living and proclaiming the Gospel is also a gift," she explained.