An Augustinian Among Augustinians: Pope Leo XIV's Call for a Life Rooted in Love

By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​Vatican City — In a deeply personal address, Pope Leo XIV, himself a member of the Augustinian Order, called on his fellow religious brothers to put love at the very heart of their mission. Speaking to Augustinians at the conclusion of their General Chapter, the Holy Father urged them to look inward and rekindle the passion and joy that first led them to religious life.

​The Pope began by praising the General Chapter as a "precious occasion" for reflection, but he reminded them that this introspection should not be an end in itself. Instead, it must serve as a catalyst for a renewed and enthusiastic outreach to the world.

​The Power of Love in Vocation

​Citing the words of their founder, St. Augustine, "Love what you will be," Pope Leo spoke directly to the heart of the matter: vocation. He cautioned against seeing religious formation as a rigid set of rules or a "ready-made garment." Instead, he declared that the Christian calling is born only from an attraction to "something great," a love that can truly satisfy the human heart.

​This focus on love, he added, should guide the Augustinians' intellectual pursuits as well. He emphasized that God cannot be reached through reason alone. Instead, he said, true theological study is a journey of being "amazed by His greatness" and tracing the footprints of the Creator in daily life, all to "love Him and make Him loved."

​Rekindling the Missionary Spirit

​Pope Leo also called the Augustinians to remain faithful to their vow of poverty, ensuring that their means and structures are always in service of their mission. He highlighted their historic missionary spirit, which has been carried out "with passion and generosity" since the 16th century.

​"This missionary spirit must not be extinguished," he said, emphasizing its continued importance today. He encouraged them to "rekindle it" through "the witness of a humble and simple joy, readiness for service, and sharing in the life of the people to whom we are sent."

​The Pope concluded by offering his prayers and imparting his Apostolic Blessing, expressing his hope that the Augustinians would continue their work with "fraternal joy" and hearts open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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