By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted February 9, 2026

On Feb. 1, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for the World Day for Consecrated Life.

Instituted by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997, the annual observance is celebrated in conjunction with the Feb. 2 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and highlights the lifelong offering to God made by those in consecrated life. The day invites the faithful to gather in prayer and give thanks for the gift of religious vocations. (Photos by Sarah Webb)