Pope Francis has called on the faithful to support, both spiritually and materially, those called to the cloistered life.
In comments during his weekly general audience Nov. 20th ahead of “Pro Orantibus Day” which takes place today, he encouraged the faithful to assist contemplatives in carrying out the important task entrusted to them.
“It is a good occasion to thank the Lord for the gift of the many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and constructive silence,” he said.
To mark the occasion and especially during this Year of Faith, Pope Francis will visit the Camaldolese Monastery of Sant’Antonio Abate on the Aventine hill in Rome later this afternoon and spend some time in Adoration.
Pope Pius XII established ‘Pro Orantibus Day» on Nov. 21, 1953, on the day the Church celebrates the liturgical memory of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple.
Ever since, all the faithful have been invited to thank the Lord for the gift of contemplative life and especially for all those who answered this special vocational call.
The day reminds the faithful of the unceasing prayer for the building up of God’s Kingdom that takes place in monasteries, convents and hermitages throughout the world, and the daily intercession of those living in cloistered life for the needs and intentions of the universal Church and the whole world.
