This week’s Wednesday General Audience coincides with the liturgical memorial of the Feast of the Presentation of Mary. His Holiness Pope Francis recalled that it is the day on which the Church celebrates the World Day of Cloistered Life, or Pro Orantibus Day — the Day for Those Who Pray.

As reported by Vatican news, His Holiness Pope Francis reminded all present in St Peter’s Square during the General Audience on Wednesday to pray for the many men and women who are cloistered. “There are many”, he said. He continued saying that it is a good “opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves totally to God, in silence, in a hidden life”.

Pius XII first asked Catholics to turn their thoughts toward cloistered persons on November 21. “Deepening Vultum Dei Quaerere and Cor Orans” is a convention organized for today’s World Day by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. It is taking place at the Pontifical Lateran University. The nature of this convention is extremely unique.