General Audience with Pope Francis

Papal audience is an opportune time when pilgrims coming from the different parts of the world will get the chance to see the Pope, listen to his message and receive his apostolic blessing.

Today, September 6, 2023, the delegates of the 29^th General Chapter, the Chapter moderator, interpreters and the sisters assigned at the General house had the special privilege of attending the audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.

The whole delegation departed Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy for Vatican City in Rome, Italy at 6:00 in the morning. We arrived at around 7:30 AM and immediately queued up to enter the St. Peter’s square where the audience will be held. Not long after the whole group were settled on their seats, Pope Francis entered the St. Peter’s square, riding on his popemobile, towards the platform at the center.

In his message, shared his experience about his journey to Mongolia which was preceded by a reading from the 1 Samuel 16:7 which read “The Lord does not look for center-stage but the simple heart of those who desire and love him without ostentation, without wanting to tower above others.” Towards the end of his message, the pope said: “Let us expand the boundaries of our gaze so that we may be able to see the good in others and be capable of broadening our horizons, and let us also open our heart to grow and expand, in order to understand, to be close to every person and every civilization.”

Pope Francis then gave his blessing to the general audience and concluded the event with the Lord’s prayer.

The Chapter delegates and the other sisters were so blessed to have a photo opportunity with Pope Francis himself. Mother Ma. Dos Anjos graciously handed to the Pope the gift from the PM Congregation.

Then the whole delegation went to the nearby Congregation of the Sisters of Maria Bambina chapel for the Eucharistic celebration presided by Abbé Eugène. After the mass, Mo. Ma. Dos Anjos shared about what was shared by the Pope with her which is summed up on the living of the virtues of humility and courage.

After the mass, was a free time for everyone to explore Vatican City. Then at 5:00 PM the whole delegation went back to Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi.

 

Sr. Cherie Eloisa, pm

Nemi, 09.06.2023