Father Vinícius Maciel, SS.CC, vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Father Eustáquio, met with Pope Francis at the Pontifical Palace, in the Vatican, the audience took place this Thursday (19).

On that occasion, Father Vinícius brought an image of Blessed Father Eustáquio and asked the Pope to give a special blessing to all devotees of the Blessed in Brazil and around the world, especially those who suffer and are in pain. The image blessed by the Pope returns to Belo Horizonte with Father Vinícius and will become part of the relic and pilgrim objects of the Blessed.

The private audience with Pope Francis took place during the general meeting of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, which was attended by approximately 40 sisters and brothers from various countries around the world and aimed to chart the congregation's course for the next six years.

Before his speech, Francis asked the superiors about vocations, hearing a variety of countries in response. In his greeting, he recalled that holding a Chapter does not respond to human logic or an institutional need, but to a requirement of following Christ. “"This always implies following, listening attentively to what the Holy Spirit suggests in order to live faithfully the identity and mission proper to the Congregation."”

Just like the disciples, the capitulars are called to listen to the voice of Jesus, to deepen their contemplation, and to be able to live and proclaim the love of God incarnate in Him, especially through service to the most needy and also through Eucharistic and reparative prayer.

Only by following Christ with fidelity and docility will the Congregation be able to enjoy a "renewed springtime," which will make its charism shine forth in the present moment of human history. "May the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary impel you to find ever new ways of witnessing to your brothers and sisters and of collaborating with the work of God that is being carried out in the Church," were the Pope's wishes.