Leo XIV: Consecrated life can lead to true happiness

The Pope, himself a member of the Order of St. Augustine, emphasized in his homily how religious are “living witnesses to God’s primacy” in their lives. Quoting the Bishop of Hippo, he described how God embraces their entire lives, like “a light not bound by space, a voice that never fades, food that is not lessened by eating, and a hunger which is never satisfied.”

The Pontiff encouraged the religious present to “reflect on the free gift of” their vocation, “from the origins of your congregations to the present day and from the first steps of your personal journey to this moment.”

He acknowledged that some people do not understand commitment to religious life, considering it pointless. This way of thinking, he lamented, is “a genuine paralysis of the soul” because it amounts to being content with “a life made up of fleeting moments, superficial and intermittent relationships, and passing fads — things that leave a void in our hearts.”

“This is not what we need in order to be truly happy. Instead, we need consistent, lasting and healthy experiences of love,” insisted the head of the Church.

Addressing the assembly, he encouraged them to “spread “the ‘fresh air’ of authentic love throughout the world.” He pointed out “the longing for infinity that dwells in the hearts of all man and woman.”

“The Lord, to whom you have given everything, has rewarded you with such beauty and richness,” said Leo XIV, asking them to be “constantly striving towards eternity.” He concluded his homily by quoting Pope Paul VI's exhortation Evangelica Testificatio: “Be truly poor, meek, eager for holiness, merciful and pure of heart. Be among those who will bring to the world the peace of God.”