Pope Leo XIV exhorted the Daughters of St. Paul, gathered in their XII General Chapter, to keep their charism of communication alive with two essential attitudes: looking to the Holy Spirit as a guide and immersing themselves in the concrete reality of humanity to announce the hope of the Gospel.
During the XII General Chapter of the Daughters of St. Paul, Pope Leo XIV, upon receiving them, addressed a message of encouragement and renewal to the congregation, which is celebrating 110 years since its founding.
Universality of the Congregation
The Pope highlighted the universality of the institute, present on all five continents, and expressed his gratitude for the service of both the new and former Superior General. He recalled with gratitude the insights of Blessed Giacomo Alberione and the impetus of Venerable Tecla Merlo, which gave rise to a mission centered on spreading the Word through the media.
Pauline Charism
Leo XIV emphasized that the heart of the Pauline charism is to proclaim the Gospel creatively, using contemporary language and listening to the concerns of humanity. To this end, he proposed two fundamental attitudes: “looking upward,” recognizing that the Holy Spirit is the true protagonist of the mission, and “immersing oneself in reality,” inhabiting contemporary culture and accompanying people through their wounds and hopes.
The Pope also urged courageous discernment regarding apostolic works, the renewal of structures, and avoiding the separation between community life and mission. “There can be no distance between what we preach and what we live each day,” he affirmed, recalling Alberione’s integral vision: Way, Truth, and Life; Mind, Will, and Heart.
To follow the missionary zeal of Saint Paul
Finally, Leo XIV encouraged the Pauline Sisters to take risks with hope amidst the “cultural and ecclesial winter,” following the missionary zeal of Saint Paul and bringing the joy of the Gospel, especially to the most vulnerable. He concluded by entrusting them to the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, and bestowing his blessing upon them.
Patricia Ynestroza - Vatican City
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