In the wake of Pope Francis’ announcement that the next liturgical year will be dedicated to consecrated life, the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated its own religious men and women.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant of the liturgy for the World Day for Consecrated Life Feb. 2 at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn. During his homily, he spoke of the importance of those who have consecrated their lives to God.

“Without them we would be so much poorer in the diocese,” he said. “They give a radical witness and a prophetic witness, as Pope Francis recently said.”

Not radical in the sense of new, the bishop explained, but radical in the sense of total commitment to the Church.

He reminded the congregation that it was Blessed John Paul II that instituted the World Day for Consecrated Life, and now Pope Francis is continuing his efforts to support those who have taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. After his homily and the Creed, the bishop invited all those in the consecrated life to renew their vows.

“Just seeing the sisters renewing their vows – it’s a good witness,” said Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, S.C., episcopal delegate to religious. “By their very presence, they are witnesses to the way they have given their life.”

This year, religious representing the four major areas of service by consecrated people – education, social service, health care and pastoral service – were invited to introduce themselves at the end of Mass and light a candle representing their ministry.

“It’s a wonderful example to me,” said Megan Spelic, postulate for the Little Sisters of the Poor. “It’s nice to witness all these beautiful religious who consecrated their life to religious orders.”

Spelic, 23, graduated from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kan., last spring with a degree in journalism and joined the Little Sisters of the Poor last October. She said hearing the news that Pope Francis announced a Year of Consecrated Life has brought her hope that it will inspire other young men and women to consider dedicating their life to the Lord.

“I’m so exited!” she joyfully exclaimed.

Rosa Tirado, a consecrated laywoman for the Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute, said she is also thankful to the pope.

“The pope is reaching out and opening the world to young people,” she said.

Tirado said she hopes the year will inspire young people to discern their vocation and that it will make people aware of the different vocations including lay consecrated.

A lay consecrated person is a person who has taken private vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. However, he or she is not a religious brother, sister or priest.

Tirado said she is also thankful to the diocese for celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life.

“It’s a celebration of a gift God has given to us, to be able to give to the Lord,” she said.

At the end of the Mass, Bishop DiMarzio offered special thanks to the Sisters of Mercy, who have served the diocese selflessly by educating young women at Catherine McAuley H.S., Flatbush, and worked with Cristo Rey Brooklyn to continue Catholic education in the area when Catherine McAuley H.S. closed last year.

Sister Maryann said the role of consecrated men and women is changing in the world. Young religious will not have the same experience as their predecessors; however the tradition of service will always continue.

“We will never be without people in need,” she said. “The Gospel doesn’t change.”