Pope to religious: Be a reflection of God’s love in the world

Vatican City, February 21, 2026: Pope Leo XIV urged the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles to remain committed to their work in challenging parts of the world and among the most vulnerable, encouraging them to nurture a strong sense of family within their communities.

Speaking to members of the two religious congregations, the Pope called on them to persevere in their missions in difficult regions and among the poorest, highlighting the importance of unity and fraternity in religious life.

“For consecrated men and women, as well as for truly committed Christian laypeople,” this family spirit “arises first and foremost from their encounter with God, from the Eucharist, from prayer, from adoration, from listening to the word and from the celebration of the sacraments,” the Pope said during his address on Saturday, February 21.

“From there, from the altar and the tabernacle,” he continued, “this spirit grows in our hearts, filling them with those feelings of communion and affection, of solicitude and patient closeness, which must always distinguish us and which makes us a reflection of God’s love in the world.”

The meeting at the Vatican took place in the context of two significant milestones: the 200th anniversary of the Papal approval of the Rules and Constitutions of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.

While noting that the two congregations have distinct histories, the Pope pointed out that they share several common elements, including the era of their establishment, their French origins, and “above all the missionary vocation.”

A preferential openness to the least among us

Addressing the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Pope reflected on how their founder, the French bishop St. Eugène de Mazenod, chose to dedicate the congregation to evangelizing those most in need during a time when Europe was experiencing profound and turbulent changes that intensified the need to proclaim the Gospel.

“He powerfully spoke and acted in defense of the dignity of the poor, workers and peasants who were exploited as a mere source of labor with their deepest human needs neglected,” the Pope said.

He also recalled how St. Eugène de Mazenod sent missionaries to Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading to what he described as an “impressive flowering of missionary vocations.”

Today, with more than 3,000 members present in 70 countries, the Pope said the congregation continues its work with the same focus on serving those most in need, enriched by an expanding charismatic family and a deeper respect for diverse cultures.

“You welcome this vitality as a gift and as a sign that prompt you to preserve and renew the spirit of your origins.”

Continue your mission in difficult places, be witnesses of peace

Turning to the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, who number more than 600 sisters across 21 countries, the Pope recalled that their founder, the French priest Fr. Augustine Planque, adopted the words from the Acts of the Apostles, “With Mary, the Mother of Jesus,” as the congregation’s guiding motto.

Referring to Mary’s presence among the Apostles in the Upper Room and within the early Christian community, the Pope explained that this inspiration led to the founding of the congregation to ensure the essential role of women in the mission of the Society of African Missions.

He noted that many women from France and other nations responded to this call to live with and like Mary and to witness to Christ. “For many of them, that “yes” cost them their lives, given the harshness of missionary work, exposure to disease, and, in recent times, martyrdom,” the Pope said.

He observed that the sisters continue to serve in difficult circumstances, offering their work with faith and respect for all, and encouraged them “to continue this mission, wherever you serve, becoming ever more authentic witnesses of fraternity and of peace.”

Courtesy: Vatican News