On the Feast of All Saints of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV received the nuns of the Federation of Augustinian Monasteries of Italy, “Mother of Good Counsel,” at the Apostolic Palace. They are currently holding their general assembly in Rome. The Pope spoke to them about their contemplative vocation as a “silent witness” of hope and charity in a world that needs interiority.

“Providence or happy coincidence? Precisely today, November 13, the memorial of the Augustinian saints, we are gathered here. A precious gift!” exclaimed the Pope as he greeted the nearly one hundred nuns present in the Consistory Hall.

Synodality and shared charism

Leo XIV congratulated Sister Mariarosa Guerrini, the newly elected president of the Federation, and thanked her predecessor for her service. He emphasized the richness of a federation that brings together diverse monasteries united by the same Augustinian charism, especially valuable in times of synodal journey.

“Walking together, listening to the Spirit, looking each other in the eye and allowing ourselves to be challenged by the questions of others”: this is how the Pope summarized the synodal spirit, quoting Francis’ words at the opening of the 2021-2024 Synod. This style, he added, is prophetic in a society increasingly resistant to authentic dialogue.

Three pillars of the contemplative life

The Holy Father structured his reflection around three fundamental axes for the mission of contemplative nuns today:

1. Joy of union with God

Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, describes true happiness as “enjoying God, through God, and because of God.” “Beyond this there is no other,” the Bishop of Hippo reminded us. Leo XIV invited nuns to embrace the cloister with passion—liturgy, prayer, adoration, lectio divina, and fraternal life—as a source of inner peace. “This quiet joy will be the most eloquent message for those who cross the threshold of your monasteries,” he affirmed.

2. Silent charity

The Rule of St. Augustine calls for living “in unity in the house” and exuding “the sweet fragrance of Christ.” The Pope exhorted the nuns to love one another “with sincere affection,” to care for one another, and to carry all of humanity in their hearts. “In a world obsessed with appearances and applause, your discreet and hidden love will help to rediscover everyday charity, free from the slavery of spectacle,” he noted.

3. Federation and collaboration

He recalled the Constitution Sponsa Christi  (Pius XII) and Vultum Dei quaerere with its instruction Cor orans (Francis), which promote collaboration among monasteries: exchange of personnel, financial assistance, and common defense of the observance. “It is a challenge that demands courageous decisions and overcoming temptations of self-referential,” the Pope acknowledged, encouraging the exploration of even affiliation when necessary.

Symbolic gift

At the end of the meeting, the nuns presented the Pope with a ceramic of the Augustinian coat of arms – a heart pierced by the burning arrow of the Word – a work from the workshop of the Monastery of Saint Augustine of Rossano (Calabria).

With this gesture, the contemplative nuns renewed their commitment to intercede for the Church and for the world from the intimacy of the cloister.