On Thursday, November 16, Pope Francis received participants of a conference on Venerable María de Jesús de Ágreda, a Spanish Conceptionist nun, organized by the Pontifical International Marian Academy.
In his address, the Pope lauded Mother Ágreda as “an exceptional woman” often described as a” lover of Scripture,” a “Marian mystic,” and an “evangelizer of America.”
The Holy Father then delved into “three lessons that the contemplative woman can offer to the Church,” emphasizing the profound impact of her life and teachings.
The Lesson of Silence
Pope Francis highlighted the importance of silence and listening, considering it a universal attitude “but especially feminine.” He recognized women’s innate listening ability and described it as a “special vocation.”
He noted, “It is surprising how, even without specific training, some sisters have reached a notable understanding of Scripture and, in the school of prayer, have drunk from it as from a living fountain.”
The Pope elaborated, “Calling them lovers of Scripture” goes beyond praising the use of it in their writings. It is about seeing Christ Himself speaking to them and us through His Word, asking us to, like María de Jesús, keep everything in our hearts”.
The Mystical Lesson
Francis explained that mysticism” “is a relationship with God that springs from that attitude of listening, from that incarnate reading of the Holy Scripture.”
He clarified, “It is an experience, we can say, ecstatic, yes, but understanding that ‘ecstasies” means stepping outside oneself, stepping out of our comforts, the selfish ego always seeking to dominate us.”
The Pope emphasized, “It is about making space for God, so that, docile to the Holy Spirit, the innkeeper of the King, we can receive Him in our house.” He affirmed,” “Contemplatives teach us, through a path of asceticism, abandonment, and fidelity, the joy of living only for Him.” And sometimes contemplation is done in silence, before the Lord, in silence. In this world that is always full of things, words, news, an entire industry of external communication, internal communication, in silence, is so necessary.”
The Lesson of Mission
Finally, Pope Francis remarked that Mother Ágreda and the Conceptionist nuns, the first cloistered religious to reach America,” “give us proof of this missionary spirit of the contemplative life.” He noted that “it is no coincidence that another great mystic, Saint Rose of Lima, is the first saint of the continent.”
He reflected, “It is understandable that Mother Ágreda felt the Lord’s call to pray for those souls who still did not know Him and that this prayer was fruitful in the soul of those who, according to missionaries, were well disposed to receive baptism.”
Pope Francis observed that “we are normally not aware of the power of intercessory prayer in our lives” and urged us not to forget” “the great gesture of Mary, which she revealed to us at the wedding at Caná. Mary never points to herself, and Mary points to the Son.”
