Pope Francis sent a message to the OLA General Chapter which was read to delegates at the opening of the Chapter.
TO SISTER MARY T. BARRON
SUPERIOR GENERAL
MISSIONARY SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF APOSTLES
I was pleased to learn that the General Chapter of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles is taking place here in Rome from 9th July to 8th August 2023, and I send cordial greetings and good wishes to all the Chapter delegates
As you reflect on the theme’ “One heart, One mission: witnessing to Gods love in the world”, I pray that you will be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in discerning fresh ways of responding generously and courageously to the missionary vocation of the Congregation, while remaining faithful to the charism entrusted to your founder, Father Augustine Planque. In this regard, you have indeed been blessed with rich spiritual heritage, not least in your two Sisters martyred in Algeria. I trust that the legacy will remain a source of inspiration as you spread the good news of Gods unfailing love for his children in the widely diverse countries where you are present.
It is my hope, then ,that your loving work of evangelization will continue to be especially directed to those on the existential peripheries of our world. In this way I am confident that you will experience much joyful fervour in your lives of religious consecration, grow in communion among yourselves and so contribute to the building up of Gods kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy (Rom 14;17)
Assuring all the Sisters of a remembrance in my prayers, and entrusting the deliberations of the General Chapter to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, I willingly impact my blessing as a pledge of love and serenity in our Lord Jesus Christ. Please remember to pray for me.
Rome ,Saint John Lateran, 21 June 2023