Message from the Abbot General

Dear brothers and sisters,

On Easter Monday, early in the morning, we were all surprised by the death of Pope Francis. His Easter wishes and blessings for the city and the world, given the day before, turned out to be a sign of farewell.

Today, I think back to the moment in September 2022 when we as General Chapter were received by Pope Francis. His words to us are still worth reading and meditating on:

“Let the grace of your Baptism bear fruit in a journey of holiness. Let everything be open to God and to this end choose Him, choose God again and again. Do not be discouraged, for you have the power of the Holy Spirit to make it possible, and holiness, after all, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.”

 At the suggestion of the two liturgical commissions of O. Cist and OCSO, I kindly ask you to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Monday 28 April 2025 as Cistercian communities for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and to pray especially for him in the Divine Office during that day.

In great gratitude we remember Pope Francis and the way he brought the Church back to Christ, the joy of the Gospel. May this good shepherd rest in peace!

Categorised in: General News