Pope Francis met with a group of Augustinian Recollects, who are in Rome celebrating their 56th General Chapter.
'The chapters are a time of grace and an opportunity for prayer, listening, dialogue and discernment.'
The Augustinian Recollects asked the Pope how they could make a profound spiritual renewal in their order. He answered that even if they live celibately, they are called to be fathers.
POPE FRANCIS
Every consecrated person, every religious, every priest is called, like St. Joseph, to have a father's heart, that is, a restless heart focused on loving and caring for the sons and daughters entrusted to his care. They are especially to care for the most fragile, those who suffer, and those who have never experienced paternal love.
Pope Francis insisted that, in order to live this vocation, it is essential to have a deep and humble relationship with God.
POPE FRANCIS
But be careful. Let us not forget that we cannot be true fathers without recognizing that we are sons, sons of the Heavenly Father. Let us not cease to go to Him every day with confidence. He listens to us. He hears the desires and needs of our hearts and He shows us the way to follow.
Finally, Pope Francis invited the Augustinian Recollects to ask themselves what they would do if they no longer had vocations to their congregation. He encouraged them to pass their charism onto the laity and trust that others will be able to carry it forward.
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TR: KG
