Pope to Cloistered Augustinians: True Joy is Found in Communion with Christ

Vatican, Nov 14, 2025: Addressing those taking part in the Ordinary Federal Assembly of the Federation of Augustinian Monasteries in Italy, Pope Leo praised the unity demonstrated by the various monastic communities that make up the federation, all united by their vows to live according to the Rule of St Augustine.

He drew attention to the body’s synodal character, noting that religious living in autonomous monasteries across Italy come together to reflect on their shared charism.

Listening to one another and embracing diversity, he said, offers a “prophetic witness of charity, particularly needed in a world that in many ways is becoming less open to dialogue and sharing”.

Pope Leo then reflected on three key aspects of the mission of Augustinian contemplatives in the Church.

He encouraged them to live out and demonstrate the joy that comes from union with God, recalling St Augustine’s teaching that rejoicing in the Lord through love brings genuine happiness.

“True joy for the human person, and especially for the Christian, lies in communion with the Lord—in that intimacy with the heavenly Bridegroom to whom you, by vocation, dedicate your entire lives,” he said.

The Pope invited the contemplative sisters to commit themselves fully to cloistered life, remaining faithful to their vocation of liturgy, prayer, adoration, meditation on the Word of God, and mutual assistance within community life.

“This will bring you peace and consolation, and to those who come to the doors of your monasteries, a message of hope more eloquent than a thousand words,” he said.

Pope Leo also underscored the testimony of charity that contemplatives offer to the Church and to the world.

By living the Augustinian ideal, he said, they spread the “good aroma of God in the world” and seek to love every man and woman, hidden within the silence of prayer.

“Without noise or display,” he urged, “show care and attention for one another, and be examples of compassion toward all, wherever need requires and circumstances allow.”

Their “silent and hidden love”, he added, can help a society so centred on appearances to recognise the worth of humble, everyday charity.

Lastly, Pope Leo highlighted the Federation’s service in coordinating the distribution of offices, work, finances, and at times religious among the various convents.

“Let us recall what Saint Augustine said,” the Pope concluded. “‘What you desire is beautiful, and supremely worthy of being loved... Let this ardour lead you not to reject order, but to accept it, for without order one cannot reach what one so ardently loves.’”

Courtesy: Vatican News