TO BE MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY, PLACE CHRIST AT THE CENTER

VATICAN CITY, MAY 15, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received 40 participants in the general chapter of the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity led by Sister Maria Ortensia Turati, who has just been re-elected as superior general.

The Holy Father said: "In order that your work progress in keeping with its own charism, above all it is necessary that you remain solidly 'rooted' in Christ."

John Paul II encouraged the sisters to remain faithful to Christ, following in the footsteps of their founder, the Blessed Luigi Orione. "May Christ be the center of your hearts and of all your worthy projects. In this way you will be missionaries of His Gospel of charity wherever you may be and you will radiate to those around you the wholesome balm of divine mercy."

The Pope continued: "From ceaseless prayer and contemplation you draw light and strength in order to truly be Little Missionary Sisters of Charity. Poor, small and humble, just as Don Orione wanted, so that you can effectively share the conditions of those who are on the margins of society, yet well prepared and trained to respond adequately to the spiritual and social challenges of our times."

The Pope indicated that "constant cooperation with the Sons of Divine Providence in the name of the common founder, the opening to the laity, ... a training attentive to the changed needs of our age, a permanent and organic involvement in local Churches will truly render your institute 'more missionary'."

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