Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV welcomed the Servants of Mary, who are gathered in Rome for their 215th General Chapter, encouraging them to be living symbols of friendship and peace. He reminded the religious community that a life rooted in the Gospel is expressed through profound love for God and for one’s neighbors.
“You are called to carry the message of friendship and peace,” Pope Leo XIV told the Servants of Mary during his address in Rome. He commended their dedication and faith, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with their origins while keeping an eye on the path ahead.
Highlighting their mission to enrich the Church, the Pope urged them to embrace the Gospel, follow the Rule of St. Augustine, and remain attentive to the needs of the poor. He recalled St. Paul’s admiration for a life devoted to Christ, noting how adhering to His Word brings both beauty and purpose to one’s existence.
Referring to their spiritual heritage including the Rule of St. Augustine, their Constitutions, and the rich legacy of their history Pope Leo described these as interpretive keys, enabling them, guided by the Spirit, to understand and respond to God’s Word. Similarly, listening to the cries of the poor, he added, provides moments of grace that reveal deep meaning in their vocation.
The Pope highlighted three pillars of their tradition fraternity, service, and Marian spirituality as essential guides for their mission. He reflected on the order’s unique founding, noting that it was not the work of a single individual, but of several united by friendship in Christ. “In a world marked by division whether through conflict, wealth disparity, cultural or religious differences you are called to be instruments of fraternity and reconciliation,” the Pope emphasized.
Drawing inspiration from the “Seven,” early exemplars who brought reconciliation and charity to divided communities, he encouraged the Servants of Mary to model the same spirit today. Living the Gospel, Pope Leo said, is a passionate devotion to God and humanity alike, a love that embraces both heaven and earth.
“This union of love,” he continued, “guides the right decisions, enabling you to serve where the need is greatest, where the Lord calls you to be present for those most wounded.” He encouraged their service to the poor, migrants, prisoners, and the sick, as well as their efforts to protect creation and promote integral ecology in the environments where they minister.
Finally, Pope Leo affirmed their profound devotion to Mary, urging them to nurture prayer and veneration, following her example of faithfulness and courage at the Cross. In blessing the community, he prayed that Mary would guide them to stand alongside Christ in His suffering, bringing consolation, unity, support, and the gift of heartfelt love to those in need.