On behalf of the Council of Religious Major Superiors, allow me to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow at the loss of our beloved Pontiff and Father His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

In Vita Consacrata he described consecrated life as being “at the very heart of the church as a decisive element for her mission”. Our vocation was so dear to his heart that he chose consecrated life as a theme for the Bishops’ Synod, the conclusion of which he graciously communicated to us in his splendid Apostolic Letter of 1996.

His encouraging words were sealed by the inspiration offered by his whole life and his entire papacy.

The best tribute we can offer him and the entire church, which he has so ably served for so many years, is unwavering faithfulness to our vocation.

May the Lord, through the loving intercession of Our Mother Mary, receive him with the same love with which he had chosen and sent him. May he continue to be for us all a loving gift and the sign of the Lord’s living presence among us.

We assure you of our constant prayers, especially in the coming days when the church is being called to “open wide its doors” to the Spirit.

Paul Chetcuti

president

Sr Cecilia Schembri SJA

vice-president