Catholics throughout the world are encouraged to support the cloistered, monastic and eremitic life on the World Day of Cloistered Life — Tuesday, November 21. Traditionally known as Pro Orantibus Day (“For Those Who Pray”), Pope Pius XII instituted the World Day of Cloistered Life to support both spiritually and materially the gift of the cloistered contemplative life. As Pope Francis reminds us, “It is an opportune occasion to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and in silent work.”
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A Prayer in Support of the Cloistered Life
Eternal Father, We praise and thank you for those sisters and brothers who have embraced the gift of the cloistered, monastic and eremitic life. Their prayerful presence is indispensable to the Church’s life and mission, and is the foundation of the New Evangelization.
As we celebrate World Day of Cloistered life, let us honor the holiness and glory of the Blessed Virgin. May she, who was presented in the Temple, intercede so that many young people might dedicate themselves entirely to Your divine service by hidden lives of contemplative prayer and selfless sacrifice.
May all of us be mindful of the spiritual and material needs of those who commit their lives to seeking God by fixing their gaze on those things which are eternal.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
