The Wake Up the World Conference came to a close with eucharistic adoration and Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria on Sept. 19, but “the party ain’t over,” said Father Paul Langevin, OFM Conv., celebrant and homilist.

“Our challenge to wake up the world continues each and every day of our consecrated lives,” Father Langevin, parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Peoria, said before leading the consecrated men and women in a renewal of vows.

“It’s time for us to rise and shine . . . to go wake up the world. Wake up the world to our joy, the joy of consecrated life in Christ Jesus,” he said. “Please don’t hit the snooze button.”

Earlier in the day, the lay people and families who joined the religious Sisters, Brothers, priests and consecrated virgins for the conference discussed ways to promote vocations in the family. Sister Loretta Dedomenicis, FMA, a member of the campus ministry team at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois, also asked them to explore their passion for serving the poor, the sick and others in need and let that lead them to their vocation, whether that be religious life, single life or married life.