Sr. Elizabeth Ryan, an Irish member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus who trains teachers, talks with students in 2010 at the Bander Boys School, a government-run primary school in Malakal, South Sudan. Ryan was trapped in Malakal during heavy fighting between rebel soldiers and government troops that broke out just before Christmas, 2013. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)
by GSR Staff
"The only gift is a portion of thyself."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, from "Gifts," 1844
February 2 is World Day for Consecreated Life , initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1987, "this celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world."