The group of FCJ Companions in Mission in Melbourne meet at their new venue (the FCJ house in Fairfield) for their second gathering of the year. They are shown in the photo with the document of the FCJ General Chapter 2025, exploring the charism of the FCJ sisters and the Companions in Mission.
The theme for the morning was an exploration of Pope Leo’s life, focusing on his missionary work as an Augustinian priest, especially in Peru. Nerissa provided a detailed and thoughtful timeline of the major events in his life as Father Robert Prevost and later as Pope Leo. The group could see how Leo has affirmed the teachings of his predecessors, including the social teachings of Pope Francis.
Marie-Louise continued this theme with an analysis of Pope Leo’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te (I have loved you) with his emphasis on the need for love for the poor. Pope Leo calls to embrace the poor, to personally encounter them, to learn from them and ultimately to recognise Christ in them. Love for the poor, for Pope Leo, is not optional but essential to Christian faith. They then divided into small groups examining six extracts chosen from Dilexi Te and discussed what was meaningful to each one while selecting favorite comments. They also discussed the challenges in following both Pope Francis and Pope Leo’s call to care for the poor in our own lives.
Mary closed the session with a prayer and the group enjoyed delicious snacks provided by Pat and Sister Maureen.
