Meeting on Monday with participants in the General Chapter of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida Thouret, the Pope called on consecrated religious to care for both the spiritual and material well-being of their neighbors. During the audience, he extended warm greetings to Sr. Maria Rosa Muscarella, congratulating her on being re-elected by the delegates to serve a second five-year term as Superior General of the order.
The Pope highlighted the spiritual significance of a General Chapter, describing it as a period when a religious family receives a special gift of the Holy Spirit through collective discernment and openness to God’s inspiration. He praised the fruits of their mutual listening, likening their shared discernment to a basket of firstfruits presented to the Lord. Recalling the enduring charism of St. Joan Antida Thouret, he noted her deep devotion and respect for the Successor of Peter, even during times of trial and painful misunderstandings.
Addressing the assembly under their chapter theme, “Roots in Christ: Mission in the World,” the Pope urged the sisters to keep Christ at the center of their thoughts and lives. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the integral good of every neighbor—encompassing both spiritual and temporal care. In a contemporary society that frequently fragments individuals and divides communities, he stressed that holistic charity is crucial for upholding the inherent dignity of all people, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable.
As the Catholic Church commemorates the bicentennial of St. Joan Antida Thouret’s death, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for the congregation’s ongoing global mission, which currently spans 32 countries. He praised their widespread ministry as a clear testimony of divine blessing across the generations and encouraged the sisters to continue their valuable work with generosity and dedication.