Allow me also, both personally and on behalf of Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, to thank you for having responded to the call to religious life. The Church is grateful for all that your communities have done, and continue to do, to advance the mission of the Church, especially in the areas of health care, education, social services and pastoral ministry, as are highlighted in the exhibit.

I share with you the recognition that recent years have been a challenging time for religious communities. Our founders endured many challenges and obstacles with a zeal that inspired their prayer and work. The Church needs your gifts of perseverance, commitment and fidelity, and your unique charism, as guided by the Holy Spirit. Please know that your ministry is greatly valued. Together let us go forward with the work of building up the Kingdom of God.