Pope Leo XIV has encouraged cloistered Augustinian nuns to deepen their communion with Christ and to let humble, everyday charity guide their community life. He offered this message on Thursday during an audience with participants in the Ordinary Federal Assembly of the Federation of Augustinian Monasteries in Italy.
Addressing the religious women who live in autonomous monasteries across the country, the Pope praised the federation’s unity and its “synodal spirit,” noting how their shared discernment reflects the Augustinian tradition of listening, dialogue, and charity.
In a world “increasingly closed to dialogue,” he said, their witness of harmony amid diversity serves as a prophetic sign.
The Pope highlighted three key aspects of their contemplative mission, beginning with joy. Quoting St. Augustine, he reminded them that true happiness comes from loving and rejoicing in the Lord.
“True joy for the Christian lies in communion with the Lord – in the intimacy with the heavenly Bridegroom to whom you have dedicated your entire lives,” he said.
He urged the nuns to embrace their vocation fully through prayer, liturgy, Eucharistic adoration, meditation on the Word of God, and mutual support in community life. Such fidelity, he noted, becomes a powerful message of hope for all who seek comfort at their monastery doors.
Pope Leo then reflected on the quiet yet powerful charity that contemplative communities offer the Church.
By living the Augustinian ideal, he said, they “spread the good aroma of God in the world,” loving humanity from the hidden depths of prayer. He encouraged them to show daily concern for one another and compassion for all people, “without noise or display,” especially in a society obsessed with outward appearances.
Order, Service, and Shared Mission: Finally, the Pope commended the Augustinian Federation for its efforts to coordinate roles, resources, and personnel among member convents. He recalled St. Augustine’s reminder that holy desires must be accompanied by order:
“What you desire is beautiful and worthy to be loved… but let this ardor lead you to embrace order, for without it one cannot reach what one loves.”
The Pope’s message affirmed the essential role of contemplative Augustinians in the Church—offering joy, charity, and prayerful witness that quietly strengthens the Body of Christ.
Credit: Vatican News
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