By Devin Watkins
Pope Leo XIV met on Monday with participants in the General Chapter of the Sisters of Charity of St Joan Antida Thouret.
The Pope greeted Sr Maria Rosa Muscarella, whom the delegates re-elected to serve a second five-year term as Superior General.
During a General Chapter, he said, a religious family receives a special gift of the Holy Spirit as they practice discernment and open themselves to God’s inspirations, so that they may better serve the people of God.
“The fruits of your listening—to God and to one another—are the most beautiful gift you bring me today: like a basket of firstfruits that we wish to offer together to the Lord,” he said.
Pope Leo recalled the charism of St Joan Antida Thouret, who he said showed great love and respect for the Successor of Peter, even amid painful misunderstandings.
As the General Chapter focuses on the theme “Roots in Christ: Mission in the World,” the Pope invited the Sisters of Charity to place Christ alone at the center of their hearts and thoughts.
May you learn, he said, “to recognize and celebrate His presence at every moment, confident that, closely united to Him, we will also draw ever closer to one another and become better able to help others according to His plans.”
Pope Leo went on to urge the sisters to follow St Joan’s desire that they show “concern for the integral good of your neighbor, both spiritual and temporal.”
“I emphasize this because, in a society like ours, which tends to fragment the human person, dividing people not only from one another but also, more seriously, within themselves, this dimension of charity is fundamental to restoring, promoting, and truly respecting the dignity of every person, especially the poorest and those most in need,” he said. “Treasure it, cultivate it, and spread it.”
As the Church celebrates the bicentennial of St Joan Antida Thouret’s “birth into heaven,” the Pope expressed appreciation for the congregation’s presence in 32 countries, calling it a sign of how the Lord has blessed their journey through the years.
“Continue your work with generosity: it is precious in the eyes of God and the Church,” concluded Pope Leo. “Thank you for all that you do!” – Vatican News
