In a recent address at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV reminded women religious that their witness is essential for the life of the Church and for a world often tempted by self-reliance and indifference. Meeting with groups of sisters from several congregations — including Discalced Carmelite nuns from the Holy Land — the Holy Father reflected on the courage, humility, and fidelity that mark their vocation.
Women of Courage and Fidelity
Taking his inspiration from the verse in Proverbs, “Who can find a valiant woman? Her price is far greater than pearls,” Pope Leo highlighted the spirit of courage that has defined the origins of many religious congregations. According to Vatican News, he praised the “strong and courageous … extraordinary women” who first answered God’s call and “paved the way for later generations who, following Christ, poor, chaste, and obedient, continued the work, at times even to the point of martyrdom.”
The Pope underlined that this fidelity is not a product of human strength, but a gift rooted in Christ. He pointed to the practices that sustain religious life — “asceticism, prayer, devotion to the Sacraments, and intimacy with God and His Word” — as the true foundation of both contemplative and active communities (Vatican News, Christopher Wells).
Humility in Service
In a world that often glorifies self-promotion, Pope Leo encouraged women religious to seek their strength in God rather than in themselves. “He went on to encourage the religious to embrace humility, placing their strength in Him, and remaining close to God precisely in order to return to the sharing in the work of God in daily life,” Vatican News reported.
The Holy Father recalled that the founders of many congregations — such as Saint Teresa of Avila, Regina Protmann, Marie Gertrude of the Precious Blood, and Marie-Anne de Tilly — were “intimately united to God, and therefore consecrated to His service and to the good of the whole Church.” Their legacy, he said, shows that holiness and mission always flow from union with the Lord.
The Need for Generous Women
Pope Leo emphasized that the Church and the world urgently need women who give themselves generously to God. “Indeed, in our day, too, there is a need for generous women,” he insisted, pointing to the dynamism that comes when a soul is completely surrendered to Christ (Vatican News).
This call is not only for the past, but for today’s reality. The Pope explained that while religious life may appear to be a kind of “other-worldly spiritualism” to modern society, the works carried out by these communities show that their mission is deeply relevant and life-giving.
A Witness in the Holy Land
Before concluding, Pope Leo offered special recognition to the Discalced Carmelite Sisters living in the Holy Land, whose quiet presence carries profound significance. He praised their “watchful and silent presence in places sadly torn apart by hatred and violence,” describing it as a “testimony of trusting abandonment to God” and a beacon of peace amid turmoil.
“We all accompany you with our prayers,” he said, “and through you, we, too, draw near to those who suffer” (Vatican News).
A Legacy That Endures
Pope Leo XIV’s address was more than encouragement; it was a reminder to the universal Church that consecrated women remain a living sign of faith and hope. Their fidelity to Christ, expressed in prayer and service, continues to be a force for renewal in the world.
In lifting up their example, the Pope affirmed the vocation of women religious as indispensable. As he said clearly, “there is a need for generous women.”
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