Each Wednesday, a wave of people from around the world flood St. Peter's Square to hear the pope's catechesis.
Among them this week was this group. They're from the Society of the Two Hearts of Love of Jesus and Mary, and they've been spending every Feast of the Sacred Heart in Rome, close to the Holy Father, since 2000.
“We are members of Society of the Two Hearts of Love of Jesus and Mary, from different countries in the world, such as Nigeria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Sicily, Portugal. We are all united in this love of the two hearts of Jesus and Mary.”
Their congregation was founded in France on Christmas Eve in 1800. They were tough times, following anticlerical persecution during the French Revolution.
Today, they're in more than 20 countries and help tens of thousands of people. Their charism is transmitting the faith through intense community life and treating others as Jesus did.
“We are praying for the salvation of all souls. At this time, God pours special graces from heaven to release souls, through our prayers, our adorations, to bring peace all over the world.”
During their visit, they filled St. Peter's Square with joy. They never stopped singing. For many of them, it was the first time they had seen Pope Francis up-close. For all of them, it was an unforgettable experience.