Celebrating the light

From left, Visitation Sisters Karen Mohan and Suzanne Homeyer, and Savior of Souls Sister Mary Mao, a guest of the Visitation Sisters from Ningbo, China, light candles during a special ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Paul before Mass Feb. 2, which is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and also the World Day for Consecrated Life. Religious men and women were invited to light candles and join with lay people in a procession to start Mass, celebrated by Archbishop John Nienstedt, who also was joined by Bishop Lee Piché and other priests and deacons. During the Mass, religious were invited to renew their vows to consecrated life, and those celebrating religious jubilees (50, 60 and 70 years) were honored. (Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit)

Archbishop John Nienstedt prays during the candle-lighting ceremony in the Cathedral's Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit)