Apostolic Nuncio Tells Carmelite Sisters in South Africa to Make Monastery a Dwelling of Peace

Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, the Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, encouraged Carmelite Sisters to maintain their monastery as a place of peace through listening, forgiveness, and mutual care. During a Mass held on October 1 at the Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, the Archbishop noted that the community's prayers can support people experiencing anxiety, violence, and abandonment.

The Archbishop, who also represents the Holy Father in Namibia, Botswana, eSwatini, and Lesotho, connected the Gospel call to evangelical poverty with the contemplative life. He advised the Sisters to trust in God while responsibly managing the resources entrusted to them. He stated that while a community cannot control every circumstance or guarantee its future, it can discern responsibly, care for its responsibilities, and welcome help from faithful friends.