Pope Francis held a private audience July 15 for General and Provincial Chapter members of six religious congregations — including the Clerics of St. Viator. The audience took place in Clementine Hall, located inside the Pope’s official residence at the Vatican, called the Apostolic Palace. Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General, described it simply as “very inspiring.”
Pope Francis at the private audience.
“It was a wonderful experience to be so close to the Holy Father and have a chance to greet him with a few words,” Fr. Egan said. “The Pope spoke for about 15 minutes, greeting each of the six congregations present.”
After introducing each of the six congregations present — including Minims, Cleric Regular Minor, Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, Clerics of St. Viator, Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary Claret — Pope Francis described them as different institutes and religious orders, whose origins ranged from the 16th to the 20th century.
“In this diversity, you are a living image of the mystery of the Church,” he said, “in which ‘to each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good’ (1 Cor 12:7) so that the beauty of Christ may shine forth in all its splendor throughout the world.”
In the main body of his message, Pope Francis invited these Chapter members to reflect on two aspects of their religious life — beauty and simplicity.
Fr. Robert M. Egan, Fr. Claudio Rios and Fr. Gregorio Esquíbel
“He invited us to reflect on the stories of beauty when we see the grace and beauty of God’s face shine forth,” Fr. Egan said, “and to seek out and spread the beauty of Christ in the concrete circumstances of today’s world.”
In reflecting on the theme of simplicity, Pope Francis said: ” As you prepare for your meetings, pray that the Lord will grant you the gift of simplicity, both as individuals and as part of the synodal process in which you will play a role. Strip yourselves of everything that is unnecessary or might hold you back from listening attentively and preserving harmony in your discernment…In this way you will be able to interpret together, and wisely, the present moment, to discern within it the signs of the times.”
Fr. Sylvain Konan with Br. Jhobany Orduz
The audience concluded with the Pope’s blessing for all, before everyone in attendance came forward and was greeted individually by the Holy Father and given a rosary. A photo of the entire group with the Holy Father concluded the audience, with Fr. Egan sitting right next to Pope Francis and the Viatorian delegation behind them.
“It was awe inspiring,” said Br. Rob Robertson, CSV. “In fact, in brought tears to the eyes of some members of our delegation. We were overcome with emotion by being in the presence of the Holy Father.”