In union of prayer with the entire Church, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist acknowledge with gratitude the tremendous gift Pope Benedict XVI was to the Church. His clarity of thought, his ability to express deep theological truths in simple and creative language, his steadfast faith and leadership, his fatherly care and his prayerful presence were only a few of the gifts he shared for the life of the Church.
Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Co-foundress, and the Rome Community – Sister Raffaella Petrini, Sister Judith Zoebelein and Sister Grace Marie Horan – are representing the Franciscan Community at the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. The entire Community joins them in spirit to pray for beloved Pope Benedict XVI.
In early 2005, the then-Cardinal Ratzinger had agreed graciously to present a spiritual conference for the Community’s retreat preceding the General Chapter in July of that year. In April the anticipated conference speaker was elected as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI. Having to cancel his appearance at the retreat due to his new responsibilities, Pope Benedict XVI instead invited the Community to visit him.
From left, Mother Miriam Seiferman, Vicar General, Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother General, and Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother Foundress, met with Pope Benedict on September 17, 2005, at his invitation, following the Community’s General Chapter in July.