When I celebrated my Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession two years ago I wrote a letter of request to the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia to avail the possibility of joining the Holy Father’s Liturgical celebration at Santa Marta, but sad to say the request was not accepted for the reason that there’s a lot of requests in line ahead of mine. But still I did not loss hope that one day it will happen. And so it did…with the help of the Sisters the (second) request was granted. Deo Gratias.
Indeed, blessings poured forth…not only did I encounter the Holy Father face to face but also the spiritual nourishment that I received.  Pope Francis focused his reflection on the person of St. Mary Magdalene being the apostle of the new and greatest hope. Bearing the name of Mary Magdalene my heart was rejoicing echoing the Psalm of Easter morning… “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad, Alleluia .”
In his reflection Pope Francis said that Mary Magdalene discovers the most shocking event in human history” when Jesus “calls her by name.” How beautiful it is to think that the first apparition of the Risen One – according to the Gospels – should occur in such a personal way!”. How beautiful it is “that there is someone who recognizes us, who sees our suffering and disappointment, and is moved for our sake, and calls us by name.” Although many people seek God, he said, the “wonderful reality” is that God has sought us first, and sought each of us personally. “Each one of us, is a story of the love of God. God calls each of us by name.” When Jesus said Mary’s name, her life was changed. “The Gospels describe Mary’s happiness for us,” the Holy Father said. “The Resurrection of Jesus is not a joy given with an eyedropper, but a cascade, a waterfall that fills our whole life.” The Holy Father called for everyone to reflect on that fact that, even with all the disappointments and defeats in our life, there is a God who is close to us and who calls us by name, who says to us, Rise up, do not cry, because I have come to set you free. He continued, God is a dreamer: He dreams of the transformation of the world, and has realised it in the mystery of the Resurrection.
St.  Mary Magdalene, who, before she met Jesus, was at the mercy of the evil one, became “the apostle of the new and greatest hope.” Her life was changed because she had “seen the Lord.” Mary’s experience is an example for us, too, whose lives are changed because we have seen the Lord. ” This is our strength and our hope.” Pope Francis concludes.

When I held his hands the first words I uttered was “Grazie mille, Sua Santita” I thanked him for the beautiful reflection and asked prayers and blessings for my mother who is sick.

I will never forget this very day 17th of May 2017, face to face with His Holiness Pope Francis I….indeed, I have “seen the Lord” in the person of our dear Pope.
Grazie a Dio.