Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Renewal as Lent Begins

February 19, 2026

~ USCCB

In his homily, Pope Leo shared that the ashes that people receive symbolize human mortality and a world “in flames” – marked by war, environmental degradation and the erosion of justice and peace. He continued by saying that the ashes reflect not only personal sin but also broader social and cultural brokenness, urging Catholics to “call death for what it is” and to face both personal and communal failures with humility and courage. ~ Vatican News

The Pontiff stressed that Lent is not only a private devotion but a communal journey toward spiritual freedom. He encouraged Christians to respond to sin by bravely accepting responsibility and striving for genuine conversion. ~ USCCB

Beyond the traditional disciplines of fasting and prayer, Pope Leo also underscored the importance of everyday acts of kindness and reconciliation. He encouraged believers to abstain from harsh words and rash judgment, to promote peace in daily interactions, and cultivate charity in their homes and communities. ~ Vatican News

Special News from the National Shrine

January 21, 2026

Bishop Daniel Turley and Pope Leo XIV, both Augustinian priests, worked together for many years in Peru. In fact, at one point, Bishop Turley was the Pope’s (Fr. Robert Prevost) supervisor.

On January 2, 2026, Bishop Turley met with Pope Leo XIV, which was the first time the two have seen each other since the Pope’s election. In the photo at the Pope’s desk, Bishop Turley is handing the Pope a letter from our National Shrine’s Board Chair, written by the Shrine’s Board Chair, Kathleen Sprows Cummings, regarding the 80th Anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization.

Bishop Turley and Pope Leo XIV had a wonderful visit, catching up with each other as good friends.

A Joyful Week at the Shrine: From Papal News to Mother’s Day Blessings

May 15, 2025

A Joyful Week at the Shrine:
From Papal News to Mother’s Day Blessings

This past week was full of meaningful moments at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado.

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On Tuesday, our local CBS affiliate visited the Shrine and interviewed Brother Jude Quinto, O.F.M., Cap., one of our Pastoral Ministers, about the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American Pope. “Here at the Shrine, things got very electric all of a sudden,” Brother Jude shared. “We were able to ring bells and broadcast the announcement over the outdoor speakers. Everybody was turning on their news. Sister Alice was turning her laptop on. All of a sudden, I was like, oh my gosh, that’s an American! That’s somebody from the United States!”

Brother Jude expressed his hopes that Pope Leo XIV will continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while bringing his own leadership style to the Church. “We hope for a stronger church, that means a church that is more unified. A church that is welcoming to people of various walks and people, all people, who can find a place in the heart of God.”

On Sunday, the Shrine welcomed an overwhelming number of people and families for our Mother’s Day Masses and brunch. Our liturgies were filled to capacity, with overflow seating needed to accommodate everyone who came to celebrate the special day. After each Mass, the community gathered in the cafeteria for a warm and welcoming brunch prepared by the Shrine’s kitchen staff. The turnout was so strong, not a crumb was left in sight!
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special week!

A Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial

May 15, 2025

This is a message that Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, sent last week to the Guadalupe Province community upon the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Dear members of the Guadalupe Province and those in mission with us,

we not all feel the excitement in the air as we celebrate with the Church and the world the discernment and election of Pope Leo XIV? It is not yet 24 hours but already his words speak to us and cause to rise up within us a sense of expectant hope. I would like to share some of his words that have touched my heart and offer the world hope:

From his first speech on May 8th:
“Peace be with you. … I would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”
“God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. … working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ …”
“To all of you, brothers and sisters, … we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”

From His first Mass on May 9th with the Cardinals:
‘We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour…”
Faith “is both a gift of God” and a path to follow in order to allow [ourselves]to be changed by that gift.” … “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society. … This is the world that is entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour.”

Finally, when speaking of the commitment and exercise of the ministry of authority Pope Leo XIV prayer to God, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church “to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified, to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love Him.”

As the Guadalupe province, let us pray for Pope Leo XIV that God grant him the grace he asks for and that we may be firm in our commitment to walk together as brothers and sisters, missionary disciples, witnesses of faith, hope and love in the world. ~ Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC on behalf of the Guadalupe Province