Waiting for the new Shepherd

As Claretian Missionary Sisters walking together, feeling ourselves “Pilgrims of Hope”, we unite in prayer with the whole Church, accompanying the College of Cardinals composed of 133 electors from 71 countries across the five continents in the process of discernment that begins on the afternoon of May 7^th of this year in Rome, in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican, a day on which we also commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the canonization of our Founder, Saint Anthony Mary Claret.

We invoke the gift of the Spirit through the intercession of our Founders, María Antonia París and Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who loved the Church deeply and found ways to contribute to its renewal. As Claret, we believe that “ The Spirit of the Lord breathes where He wills, when He wills, and upon whom He wills. What matters is to know God’s will and to fulfill it faithfully.“[1] And we trust, with María Antonia, that “God is never short of means to help his children in their necessities even in that immense space of waters”.[2]

May the Spirit grant the Church the Shepherd it needs, ensuring continuity in the path of synodal renewal, and may the whole People of God welcome him with Faith, Hope, and Charity.

Each community and apostolic center is invited to invoke the gift of the Spirit with this prayer, inspired by the original vision (nn.7-13):

“Grant, Lord, the spirit of prayer to the assembly gathered in Conclave.

Let them come to know the needs of the Church so they may love her more and pray for her without ceasing;

Place your Gospel before them and imprint it upon their hearts.

Help them understand your Word and show them how to put it into practice.

Transform everything through the newness of your Spirit; for nothing is impossible for you.

May they keep in the memory of their hearts

all the good received during the Pontificate of Francis.

Increase in them and in the whole Church the love for evangelical poverty, for the least and those in need.

May they live these days immersed in your presence, Lord, remembering that you revealed yourself in your Humanity and that you are present in the humanity of our brothers and sisters.

Mary, Mother of God, open to the Spirit, intercede for them.We ask for this grace through the intercession of María Antonia París.”

[1] St. Anthony M. Claret, Ascetical Letter to the President of one of the Choirs of the Academy of St. Michael, Barcelona 1862, p. 21.

[2] Mª Antonia París, Autobiography, 152.