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A Celebration of Religious Life

On 1 February, the Diocese of East Anglia gathered for a deeply significant moment of spiritual renewal and fellowship. The Mass for Religious, held at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich, brought together priests, brothers, and sisters from across the Diocese in a unique and poignant celebration of consecrated life. 


This special event, part of the wider Jubilee Year of 2025, was an opportunity for the Religious of East Anglia to meet with their Bishop, Rt. Revd. Peter Collins, and reaffirm their commitment to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Although the universal Church will officially celebrate religious life during the Jubilee Year in October, Bishop Peter Collins chose to maintain the Diocese’s tradition of marking the occasion near the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In his homily, he expressed the importance of this gathering, acknowledging how infrequent it is for all Religious within the Diocese to come together. “The international celebration of consecrated life will within this Holy Year take place in October, but we thought it right to keep to our established norm in the Diocese to celebrate our day for our Religious communities close to the Feast of the Presentation,” he said.

The Diocese of East Anglia, like many others, faces challenges regarding the future of religious life. The number of Religious within the region has been steadily declining, with four Congregations withdrawing from the Diocese in the past five years. Many communities that once had three or four members are now reduced to two. This reality was acknowledged by both Bishop Peter and Fr Karol Porczak MS, the Episcopal Vicar for the Religious, who reported on the event. Despite this decline, hope remains steadfast. Bishop Peter spoke of ongoing discussions with three Religious Congregations in the hope that they might provide members to serve in East Anglia, demonstrating a commitment to sustaining religious life in the Diocese.

Fr Karol highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that 11 priests and 22 sisters attended the Mass, representing nearly half of the Religious still present in East Anglia. “We need to face this situation with faith and courageous thought that God will provide solutions regardless of the conditions we face,” he reflected. This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering, as the Religious present took the opportunity to encourage one another in their shared mission.

The Mass itself, presided over by Bishop Peter, was a solemn yet joyous occasion. The renewal of religious vows was particularly moving, as those present once again professed their dedication to the Gospel. The Bishop, in a moment of evident satisfaction, received their vows and expressed his gratitude for their lives of service. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. The conviction of things not yet seen,” he reminded them, emphasising the strength and perseverance required in consecrated life.

The celebration served as a spiritual reinforcement for those who have dedicated their lives to God’s service. In a world where religious vocations are increasingly rare, the commitment of these men and women stands as a beacon of faith and dedication. Their presence in the Diocese is not only a testament to their own vocations but also a sign of hope for the wider Church in East Anglia.

While this Mass was a special moment for the Diocese, Bishop Peter also looked ahead to the international celebration of consecrated life in October. Unlike this gathering, which focused on the Religious themselves, the October celebrations will be parish-centred, allowing the faithful across the Diocese to express their gratitude and appreciation for the Religious in their communities.

“In October, you will be encouraged to celebrate within the context of local parishes so that the local Church in every place across the Diocese can play its part in rejoicing in your presence, your lives, and your example,” Bishop Peter explained. This approach highlights the importance of Religious life not only within the communities themselves but within the wider Church.

As the Mass concluded, there was a deep sense of gratitude among those gathered. Following a shared meal in the Cathedral narthex, the Religious of East Anglia left with renewed strength, reminded of their integral role within the Church and the support they have from their Bishop and one another.

Fr Karol summed up the feeling of the day in his report: “We are grateful to Bishop Peter for this opportunity.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the significance of the event – a moment of unity, renewal, and faith amid the challenges of contemporary religious life.

As East Anglia’s Religious look to the future, they do so with a firm trust in God’s providence, confident in the hope that their presence and mission will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.

Photographs from the day can be viewed here.

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