The pope arrived at the Monastery of Discalced Carmelites in Antananarivo to pray with the nuns. The solemnity of the event did not prevent the nuns from showing their joy when Pope Francis entered the church.
After praying, Pope Francis gave a paperless speech to more than 100 contemplative nuns. He spoke of St. Teresa de Lisieux, a Carmelite who he feels a devotion for whose life in the convent was not easy.
The pope focused his speech on life in the community. He asked the nuns to live with charity among themselves and obedience to their superior, even if it was difficult.
POPE FRANCIS
“Always speak with transparency in your heart. Always speak because you will win. Although it was uncomfortable, Teresa went to the prioress to speak.”
“It's true that not all prioresses have the Nobel prize in sympathy, but they represent Jesus.”
He also warned them of the dangers of worldliness entering the convent.
POPE FRANCIS
“Know how to discern with the prioress, with the community in chapter, to discern the voices of worldliness. Let them not enter. Worldliness is not one of you.”
“When thoughts of worldliness come to you, close the doors on them and think of small acts of love. This is what saves the world.”
The pope asked them to speak up when something or someone makes life in the community difficult.
POPE FRANCIS
“Please sisters, when you feel uncomfortable, please speak up immediately.”
“My advice is that when something disturbs your peace, speak immediately.”
The pope encouraged them to help one another because this is how they defend holiness and love within the community.
