After an early Mass at 6.30 am, we set off for the Papal Audience, which began at 9.15 am. We wanted to make sure we were on time and had therefore planned enough time for the security checks. The audience took place in the large Paolo VI Audience Hall. We had been given special tickets for the first section – right at the front. It was an impressive experience for all the sisters to be so close to the Holy Father.
Today, Wednesday, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on St Joseph, which he began a fortnight ago and with which he wants to set a spiritual accent once again at the end of the Year of St. Joseph. Today he started from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 1:18-21) and spoke about Joseph as the righteous one. He encouraged us not only to look at the letter of the law, but to let the Spirit of God work – even where we ourselves have actually made other plans. Joseph did this when he took Mary as his wife. With regard to the newly married couples, he encouraged all present not to avoid conflicts, to make peace again and again, and thus to grow from the stage of infatuation into the stage of mature love.
At the end of the audience, we had the privilege of having a group photo taken with the Holy Father. Richly blessed by this impressive encounter with Pope Francis and many people from all over the world, we headed back to the Procura.
The rest of the day was free – many of us used the time in rather rainy weather and after the strenuous work of the last two weeks to rest.
