Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV warmly received the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Federation of Mexico in the Vatican ahead of his Wednesday General Audience, inviting them to rediscover the joy of walking closely with the Lord in their religious journey. In a message filled with affection and spiritual depth, the Holy Father affirmed that their pilgrimage to Rome during this Holy Year was not merely a journey of miles, but of faith, encounter, and renewal.
“You have come as pilgrims to meet the Lord, and I can see that He has filled you with joy,” the Pope said, recognizing their visible happiness and devotion. He reflected that true joy springs not from external achievements but from the intimate relationship believers nurture with God through their vocation and daily acts of love.
Drawing from the teaching of Saint Thomas of Villanova, Pope Leo explained that every Christian life unfolds along two spiritual paths mercy and truth. “Through these two ways,” he said, “we walk toward the Lord serving like Martha in works of mercy, or resting like Mary at the feet of Jesus to contemplate the truth.” He emphasized that both contemplation and service are vital expressions of discipleship, and balance between the two keeps the soul aligned with God’s will.
The Pontiff further reminded the Sisters that the true measure of their work lies not in its quantity or recognition but in the love behind it. “God does not look at what or how much you do,” he said, “but at how much you grow in desire and love for Him. Though each will be judged by their works, the real weight of those works is the charity of the heart.” Without love, he warned, even the holiest labours risk becoming burdens rather than blessings.
Encouraging them to keep the flame of divine love burning brightly, Pope Leo reflected that “where there is love, there is no suffering.” He concluded by invoking the maternal protection of Our Mother of Good Counsel and the intercession of Saint Thomas of Villanova, “who so deeply loved the mission in the Americas,” praying that the Sisters may continue their path of perfection with patience, courage, and unwavering faith until they reach the eternal joy of the Lord.