Pope Francis walks up to the group to pose for the group photo.
Viatorians in Rome for the General Chapter had the chance to attend a private audience with Pope Francis on Monday, in what Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, described as a “wonderful moment of communion with the pastor of the universal church.”
Seated in Clementine Hall, located inside the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope receives visitors, delegation members joined with professed religious from five other religious congregations, all holding their respective chapter meetings. Their community origins ranged from the 16th to the 20th century.
“In this diversity, you are a living image of the mystery of the Church,” Pope Francis said at the outset.
During his remarks, the Holy Father invited these Chapter members to reflect on two aspects of their religious life — beauty and simplicity.
Br. Jhobany Orduz, Br. Peter Lamick and Br. Rob Robertson all came away moved from the papal audience.
“His message to us was simple: as religious we are called to love beauty, seek simplicity and live poverty in such a way as the presence and love of God is evident in our witness to Christ,” Fr. Francis said. “We all had an opportunity to personally greet the Pope and will not soon forget this simple meeting with the Holy Father.”
Pope Francis concluded his remarks with words of gratitude and encouragement before urging these members of religious communities to pray for vocations.
“It is necessary for you to have successors who will carry your charisms forward,” he said, adding, “Pray, pray! And be attentive to formation, so that it is good formation.”