Pope Francis, during his visit to the Augustinian Sisters of Talavera de la Reina in Spain, urged all religious sisters to appreciate the many benefits they receive as part of religious communities.
Vatican News
“Purity is always joyful… Have a smile that comes from the heart, not artificial, but true and complete.” Pope Francis met this Thursday with the Augustinian Sisters of Talavera de la Reina who are celebrating the 450th anniversary of their convent with a pilgrimage to Rome.
Since the sisters are Spanish, the Pope reiterated his prayers for the Valencians, who “suffer” from the floods, which have killed more than 200 people.
“These days I feel very close to Spain because of the tragedy in Valencia,” he said.
living Christian joy
Reflecting on religious life, Pope Francis invited nuns to exemplify spiritual life by becoming “skilled in the art of prayer.”
He said: “I hope that your school gives children the opportunity to talk to God, listen to him, feel his presence in every moment of life and accept his inspirations with humility. “
The Pope invited all consecrated people to never lose their joy or sense of humor. Failure to do so, he said, can result in a “bitter” disposition that “feels like something held in vinegar.”
He said: “Let us pray for a sense of humor that will keep us fresh in the service of God. I repeat again: a sad saint is a type of sad saint.”
He said dedicated people can have the cheerful mood of St. Philip Neri or a more restrained type of joy that comes with a smile.
In extolling the virtues of religious life, Pope Francis said that religious men and women, as part of the religious community, must always keep in mind the needs of others, as well as their safety and comfort. He said: “When someone complains about having too much work, they should think about those who don’t have work.” “When one enters a convent or a parsonage, one must remember that everything is at one’s disposal.”
He said that on snowy or rainy days they should remember that there are people who are sleeping outside, under whatever they can find.
Prayer to Saint Thomas More for good mood
Finally, Pope Francis invited the Spanish Augustinian nuns to remember the prayer of Saint Thomas More.
Oh Lord, give me good digestion, and also give me something to digest.
Providing me with a healthy body and the good mood necessary to maintain it.
Grant me a simple soul that knows how to appreciate everything good.
And who is not easily scared when they see evil?
Rather, you find a way to put things back in their place.
Give me a spirit that does not know how to get bored, grumble, sigh and moan,
You also don’t know the abundance of tension caused by that hindering thing called “I.”
Lord, give me a sense of good humor.
Grant me the grace to accept a joke to find some happiness in life,
And give him the grace to be able to share it with others.
