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September 25, 2017The General Chapter, a meeting of all abbots and abbesses of th Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance worldwide, is held every three years, to discuss the needs and problems of the communities and provide mutual support. Our abbess, Mother Maureen, is there together with Sr Mary-Ellen, who serves as English secretary, Sr MariaSther, who is a Spanish/French translator, and Sr Alice, who is a delegate for the US region.
This year, the participants were privileged to attend an audience with Pope Francis. This involved a day trip from Assisi, where the Chapter is held, to Rome. After a long bus journey and climb up numerous steps, all gathered in the Clementine Room, where the Abbot General, Dom Eamonn gave an opening address. After this, Pope Francis spoke and imparted his apostolic blessing to all present and also to all members of our Order.
An unexpected occurrence at the audience was that each of the 160 participants present were invited to greet Pope Francis personally! Here are Mother Maureen, Sr Mary-Ellen and Sr Alice at the key moment.
Read Pope Francis' address here>
More photos of the event here>
