Diocesan celebration of World Day of Consecrated Life emphasizes diverse but universal Church
Sister Nhiem Nguyen, LHC, shares a laugh with fellow sisters during a dinner for consecrated religious on Feb. 13, 2026 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish as part of World Day of Consecrated Life. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
WHITE SETTLEMENT — The Diocese of Fort Worth celebrated the annual World Day of Consecrated Life on Feb. 13 with prayer, dinner, and fellowship at St. Peter the Apostle Church in White Settlement.
About 50 religious men and women attended the evening vespers, which featured Scripture, hymns, and prayer in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Latin. Vespers were followed by a meal and friendly conversation.
Father Jonathan Wallis, vicar general for the diocese, gave a short reflection during the vespers. He commented on the diversity of the religious men and women, who serve the diocese from about ten religious orders from around the world.
He said, “One of the great things that we have here in the Diocese of Fort Worth is the presence of so many religious.
“Wherever we come from, we serve the same Lord; we serve the same Church. And that is what unites us,” he continued.
“It is my genuine hope that we all place the service of Jesus Christ above all things, and that we're able to serve Him well in this diocese with the time that we've been given,” he added before he extended his gratitude to the sisters and priests.
Sister Theresa Tran, LHC, teaches religion at St. Rita Catholic School in Fort Worth and enjoys the annual event. Sitting at a table with sisters from three religious orders, she said, “Even though we have different languages and are from different countries, I don’t see any difference. I feel a closeness to all my brothers and sisters here.”
Father Babji Merugu, SAC, has served as parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller since December 2024.
The Pallottine priest said, “It’s very good to meet other religious priests, and nuns as well. We feel brotherhood and sisterhood like one family. We’re all called to do the same mission, irrespective of our culture. It’s wonderful.”
Dominican sisters pray during vespers on Feb. 13, 2026 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish as part of World Day of Consecrated Life. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)