John Cardinal Njue has called on consecrated men and women to use the year of consecrated life as a time of reflection. “Unlike other celebrations declared by the Church, the year of consecrated life is an activity that is calling those of you who have formally been consecrated to God through religious vows acknowledged by the Church to a fourteen month period of intense reflection,” said Cardinal Njue. Pope Francis announced the year of consecrated life will be celebrated from November 30, the first Sunday of advent until February 2, 2015. While speaking to participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on November 27, the Pope encouraged consecrated persons to still “be listening to the signs of the Spirit, who opens new horizons and pushes to new ways.” The assembly is under the theme; “New Wine in New Wineskins” and is happening between November 25 – 29 in the Vatican.