Madrid has witnessed some unforgettable days. The pastoral visit of Pope Leo XIV not only filled squares, but also stirred consciences, making a direct call to “lift our gaze” towards the margins.
Our congregation wanted to be present at the key milestones of this journey. The Oblate Family actively participated in the youth vigil, the massive gathering at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, and the solemn Corpus Christi Mass. These events were much more than just large gatherings; they were moments of profound communion that transformed the atmosphere of Madrid.
Special meeting at Caritas
There was a special moment when the Pope’s message about the “discarded” touched our Oblate essence. That moment was during the intimate gathering organized by Caritas. There, away from the public eye, Leo XIV met with representatives of various social ministries.
This gathering included the participation of many organizations, totaling almost 200 people, including those being supported and those accompanying them from various pastoral ministries. Noelia Ramírez, General Councilor, was one of the people accompanying a woman from our Oblate Project in Madrid.
“It was a very beautiful encounter where I had the opportunity to accompany one of the women from the Madrid project… It was a very moving moment because the Pope was very warm and welcoming. It was wonderful for this young woman to be able to participate in this meeting. She experienced it with great faith.”
This young woman, accompanied by her companion, is still processing the intensity of having experienced such a close encounter with Leo XIV. Her testimony is a reminder of why we raise our gaze:
“I’m still in shock. Never in my life did I imagine experiencing a moment like this; I thought it was impossible. It was so rewarding, so beautiful. Representing the project and all the Oblates fill me with pride, and I do it with my head held high. God had this in my path. I feel very honored and infinitely grateful to the work and the Oblate Sisters.”
The events in which we will participate are not limited to Madrid. The Oblate Sisters will continue to be part of the Holy Father’s apostolic journey in other locations, such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
The visit of Pope Leo XIV is now history, but his message remains. We leave with the commitment to continue working for an incarnate Christianity, one that confronts the poverty of our time head-on and, as the Holy Father has asked of us, is always capable of offering a second chance.
(hermanasoblatas.org)
