Dear Sisters, AFJM, and Companions in Mission,

In the quiet mystery of God’s time, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of both sorrow and sacred gratitude. The unexpected passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, is not merely a moment of loss—it is a holy pause, inviting us to reflect on a life lived wholly for God and for others.

Though our hearts grieve his absence, they also overflow with thanksgiving for the gift of his presence among us—a man of profound simplicity, unwavering faith, and boundless love. His was a life poured out like a libation, echoing Christ’s own life, offered humbly and completely in service to humanity.

Here in Rome, we have been blessed to draw near to his earthly remains, to stand in silent reverence before our shepherd and guru, who led us with wisdom, foresight and compassion for the past twelve years. The endless procession of pilgrims—young and old, from every nation, culture, and walk of life—waiting patiently for hours to pay their respects, speaks volumes of how deeply Pope Francis served not only the Church, but also touched the soul of humanity. His presence transcended borders, his love knew no limits.

As a Congregation, we hold a particularly tender space for the Holy Father in our hearts. We remember his message and private audience during the 37th General Chapter in 2019, his words to those gathered at the International Meeting on Shared Mission in Mexico in 2023, and the cherished prayer to St. Joseph drawn from our very own JM Prayer Book. We recall his esteem for Sr. Mª Asunción Calzetti of Argentina, his encounter with M. Cecilia Gaudette and M. Ángeles Aliño in 2013, as well as my personal encounters with him over these years… all of which are etched in our hearts, where his warmth, humility, and fatherly love radiated the merciful heart of God.

Pope Francis was the embodiment of Gospel simplicity—a humble servant echoing Christ’s love for the marginalized, a prophetic voice for peace and inclusion, and a tireless advocate for a Church that welcomes all. He reformed the Vatican, promoting transparency and appointing women to key leadership positions. He exhorted us to care for our ‘common home,’ and to walk the path of discernment and Synodality. In him, we saw not only a leader, but someone whose life was the message. Truly, we have been privileged to be his contemporaries. We are ‘his witnesses’.

Let us allow his legacy to shape our own journey: to live with tenderness, to act with courage, and to serve with joy. In these days of global uncertainty, may we rise as bearers of his dream—a more compassionate world, where each person is seen, heard, and cherished, beginning within our homes, our communities, and the wider society.

On a more personal note, I would like to share a moment that remains etched in my heart. In the early hours of April 23rd, two of us quietly made our way to the Vatican at 4 a.m. In the hush of that sacred hour, with only a handful gathered, we were seated close to the body. There, wrapped in silence, we spent nearly an hour in prayer — holding all of you in my heart, the needs of our Congregation, and our world. Today, in the name of the entire Congregation, with hearts full of love and gratitude, many of us – the Tertians, community, and General Council, gathered to bid our final farewell at the solemn funeral Mass for our beloved Holy Father.

As the College of Cardinals will gather in prayerful discernment, we lift our hearts in unity, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide them with wisdom, clarity, and love in choosing the next successor of Peter.

And as we continue our own pilgrimage, may we entrust the days ahead to the gentle embrace of our Blessed Mother Mary and our beloved St. Claudine. May their maternal presence enfold us and lead us forward, as we carry the light of hope into a world longing for healing, and peace.

With blessings and deep reverence,

Monica Joseph RJM
Superior General