Sisters of our Lady of Apostles

At Novendiales Mass, Pope Francis Remembered for His Deep Trust in Women Religious

At Novendiales Mass, Pope Francis Remembered for His Deep Trust in Women Religious At the eighth Mass of the Novendiales, held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome in memory of our beloved Pope Francis, the Church gathered once more to honor a shepherd who led not with might, but with mercy — a humble and compassionate pastor whose heart beat in rhythm with the suffering and the marginalized. As Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, we were especially moved to witness our own Sister, Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, our Congregational Leader and President of the International Union of Superiors General, present a deep reflection during this sacred liturgy. Her words gave voice to the deep gratitude felt by women religious everywhere, capturing in speech what many hold in their hearts. Sister Mary reminded us that Pope Francis consistently believed in the power and vocation of women religious. He didn’t just affirm our presence in the Church; he entrusted us with mission, calling us forth into the world and among all of God’s creation to be instruments of healing and companions for those most in need. “He reminded us again and again of the importance of embracing our frailty not as a limitation but as a source of grace,” she said. It was Pope Francis who invited us to see our vulnerability through the lens of the Gospel — not something to overcome, but something through which God’s tenderness can shine. Last year, in a gesture that [...]

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Habemus Papam

Habemus Papam To God be the glory for the great things He does. After one and a half days of the Conclave, the Holy Spirit descended with a successor to St. Peter in the Person of Pope Leo XVI, an Augustinian Religious.  May his reign be praised and may the Church be kept faith to the greater glory of God. These are the First Words of Pope Leo XVI : “Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but ever-courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome! The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that morning on Easter Sunday. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves we move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The [...]

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A Tapestry of Faith and Culture

A Tapestry of Faith and Culture: SMA–OLA Jubilee Celebration Opens with Rich Interreligious Ceremony The 2026 Jubilee Celebrations of the SMA and OLA Congregations officially opened yesterday at Fort Français in Ouidah with a joyful and vibrant program. Held under the theme “Towards 2026”, the event drew pilgrims, guests, and delegates worldwide to witness a compelling blend of culture, spirituality, and unity. The day began with a warm welcoming ceremony that set a gracious tone. Joyful embraces and traditional greetings created an atmosphere of hospitality, immediately immersing participants in the spirit of community. Cultural displays followed, highlighting the deep heritage and global diversity of the two congregations’ shared mission. Songs, dances, and traditional attire celebrated the beauty of interculturality and the universality of the Church’s mission. As evening fell, a candlelight procession to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception added a spiritual dimension to the celebration. Participants advanced in reverent song and dance, their candles symbolizing homage to the first missionaries, hope for today’s mission, unity in the SMA–OLA shared mission and the enduring light of faith that continues to guide their work. The flickering lights at twilight formed a living tapestry of solidarity. The day concluded with an interreligious prayer service, marking a profound moment of unity among diverse faiths. Representatives of various religions offered prayers, readings, and reflections, affirming shared values of peace, justice, and love. This inclusive act of worship underscored the commitment of SMA and OLA to dialogue and mutual understanding in an increasingly pluralistic world. [...]

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