Teološko-pravna težišta poruka Ivana Pavla II. za Dan posvećenog života
The Theological-Juridical Focus of John Paul II’s Messages for the World Day for Consecrated Life

Summary/Abstract: Only in the context of the living reality of the Church is it possible to understand the consecrated life as an “outstanding sign in the Church” (Can. 573 §1), which, despite its imperfections and fragilities, shows the sanctity of the Church, realized in the only possible way as a response to the call for sanctity addressed to all: in the lived love of God and our neighbor. This love should characterize all of Christ disciples (cfr. LG 42,1), called in their daily lives, obligations and circumstances to strive for the holiness and perfection of their own proper state (cfr. Lg 42,2) by making present hic et nunc God’s love for the world (cfr. LG 41,7). People are called by God, through evangelical counsel, to free themselves from the obstacles that might draw them away from zeal for charity and to join, in a special way, the Church and its mission in the world (cfr. Lg 44, 1-2). In their way of life they become a sign with which the Church itself daily presents “Christ to believers and non- believers” (Lg 46, 1). Therefore, as supreme pastors and teachers, Roman pontiffs, starting with John Paul II, who twenty years ago instituted the annual World Day for Consecrated Life (February 2, 1997), have addressed consecrated brothers and sisters as an expression of yearning, encouraging and promoting their proper state. They belong, without doubt, to a life of sanctity in the Church (cfr. LG 44,4; Can 574, §1). In the light of the liturgical celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus in the Temple, from the beginning of his pontificate, John Paul II, through evangelical counsel regularly addressed those who have given their life to the Lord. He presented and analyzed the pertinent theological-juridical elements of the consecrated life, inviting and encouraging consecrated brothers and sisters with his guidance to serve the Kingdom of God in an even more engaging way, so that their efforts in fidelity and perseverance, and the gift of their vocation can authentically contribute to the fruitful sanctity of the Church and to its salvific mission (cfr. LG 47 and 43,2; Can. 573, §2 i 574, §2).

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