Pope Leo: Community life is a place of sanctification, a source of inspiration, witness and strength

Pope with his Augustinian confreres

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo offered words of encouragement in his letter to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States, celebrating its 70th anniversary during the 2026 National Assembly, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, with the theme, 'One in Christ: Communal Life Today.'

Thanking God for the graces received over the past seven decades, he encouraged them "to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ" in the communities and apostolates where they serve.

"You have helped to reinforce the public witness of consecrated men who devote their lives to the service of the Gospel," he said.

CMSM is the national organization representing leaders of Catholic religious institutes for men, monasteries, and societies of apostolic life in the United States.

In the text, dated July 16 and addressed to the Conference's Executive Director, Fr Frank Donio, SAC, the Pope said that as they mark seven decades of fostering collaboration among male religious in the United States, "it is an appropriate time to give thanks to God for the graces received during these years."

The Pope thanked them for their efforts to provide a space for dialogue and to support the leadership of their member communities, noting this has contributed to reinforcing the public witness of consecrated men dedicated to Christ and following His example.

In reflecting on the theme for this year's gathering, Pope Leo said he wished to encourage them "to consider community life as a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration, witness and strength in your apostolate."

"Indeed," he continued, "it is precisely through sharing everything in common, including material goods, spiritual experiences, apostolic ideals and charitable service that the hidden presence of the risen Lord is made manifest among you."

With this sentiment, the Pope said he trusts "that these days of reflection, dialogue and prayer will allow you to discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion both within and among your Institutes, and in this way, enable you to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ in the various communities and apostolates where you serve."

The Holy Father concluded by assuring them of his spiritual closeness and entrusting the National Assembly to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, before imparting his Apostolic Blessing on all participating in the Conference and all the Congregations they represent.

Read the full letter: www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/letters/2026/documents/20260716-lettera-cmsm.html