BACOLOD CITY – The Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) here expressed overflowing joy and extended their warmest congratulations and fervent prayers to Pope Leo XIV.
Augustinian Sisters recall meeting Pope Leo XIV
Published May 9, 2025 05:36 pm
“As daughters of Saint Augustine, we rejoice in the gift of his leadership and the blessing of his wisdom," the Augustinian Sisters said of Pope Leo XIV, who they considered a beloved brother in Saint Augustine.
THE Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) with Pope Leo XIV, then Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, during the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. (Photo via LCC-Bacolod/FB)
THE Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) with Pope Leo XIV, then Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, during the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. (Photo via LCC-Bacolod/FB)
The ASOLC, in a Facebook post through La Consolacion College (LCC)-Bacolod, recalled their encounter with the Pope in Sydney, Australia during the 2008 World Youth Day, where Augustinian communities from around the globe gathered for the Augustinian Youth Encounter (AYE) – a celebration of faith, youth, and shared heritage.
Among them were members of the ASOLC, including Sister Joan Infante, OSA, LCC-Bacolod president. Alongside Sister Joan were Sisters Jocy Widwid, Gavina Barrera, Magdalena Tallafer, and Bibian Gavas—all part of the Philippine delegation.
The ASOLC said that Sister Joan was helping prepare the sacred space for the Eucharistic celebration when then Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, then Prior General of the Augustinian Order quietly entered the room. “He walked in with no announcement, no entourage. Just a simple friar, calm and unassuming," Sister Joan recalled.
Now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV, Sister Joan said that he was approachable, kind, and deeply grounded. “It was Augustinian humility in the flesh,” she said.
She said Pope Leo XIV knelt in front of the sisters in a spontaneous gesture, not out of formality, but in pure lightheartedness.
“It was such a real moment,” Sister Joan said. “He made us feel like family. That’s who he was—not a distant superior, but a brother in Christ.”
She believes his papacy is an invitation for Augustinian institutions to deepen their commitment to justice and integral formation. “May we, inspired by his example, expand our outreach and let the values of Saint Augustine animate every
classroom, every project, every encounter,” she said.
May the Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Consolation, grant him strength, peace, and grace as he shepherds the Church with love and humility, they said.
LCC-Bacolod also joined the Catholic Church in celebrating Prevost’s assumption.
“May his papacy bring light and unity to our world, and may his shepherding inspire us to walk the path of faith and peace,” the school said as they urged prayers for the new Pope as he begins his mission as the Vicar of Christ.
The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) prayed for Pope Leo XIV as he steps up to the role of being an instrument of peace. “Together with him, we may see the beauty of our faith in a continued humble service to others and to God.”
The University of Saint La Salle welcomed the new Pope.
“May the faithful be reminded that no matter the times, God never leaves His people without a shepherd.” They also prayed for the new Pope that he may lead with courage, compassion, and faith.
The bells of San Sebastian Cathedral here tolled in joyous celebration as white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican on Thursday, May 7.
“In solidarity, we pray for Pope Leo XIV as he steps up to the role of being an instrument of peace and together with him, we may see the beauty of our faith in a continued humble service to others and to God.”
Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental cited the new Pope. “This moment marks a significant crossroad in the life of the Church, and we are filled with hope and confidence in his leadership and pastoral guidance,” he said in a statement on Friday, May 9.
Cortes called on the clergy, religious, and faithful to support the new Pope through prayers as he navigates the responsibilities of leading the Church in a time when compassion, unity, and sensitivity to those who are in the peripheries are needed.
His dedication to social justice, interfaith dialogue, care for creation, and the promotion of peace resonates with our calling to be true witnesses of Christ's love in our own communities and to the world, Cortes said.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Cortes prayed that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit in his mission to shepherd the Church and to promote the teachings of Christ in a world that is ever-changing and often challenged by division and uncertainty.
As we reflect on this landmark event, let us come together as a diocese to renew our commitment to live out the Gospel in our daily lives and to stand ready to support our new Pope in his efforts to guide us toward holiness, he said.
He invited all parishes and communities within the Diocese of Dumaguete to offer special prayers and Masses for Pope Leo XIV asking that his pontificate be filled with grace, wisdom, and the fervor of the Holy Spirit.