Pope Leo Marks CMSM’s 70th Anniversary, Urges Religious Leaders to Offer a United and Joyful Witness to Christ

In a letter addressed to the Very Reverend Frank Donio, S.A.C., Executive Director of CMSM, the Pope extended his good wishes to participants gathered for the milestone event, while reflecting on the important role the organization has played in supporting male religious communities across the United States over the past seven decades.

Founded to foster collaboration among leaders of Catholic religious institutes for men, monasteries, and societies of apostolic life, CMSM serves as the national organization representing these communities in the United States. The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the conference’s history but also to assess its continuing mission within the life of the Church.

Pope Leo described the anniversary as “an appropriate time to give thanks to God for the graces received” throughout the organization’s history. He praised CMSM’s longstanding efforts to encourage dialogue among religious communities and to support the leadership of its member institutes.

According to the Pope, those efforts have contributed significantly to strengthening the public witness of consecrated men who dedicate their lives to serving the Gospel. By providing a forum for collaboration and mutual support, the conference has helped religious communities remain engaged in their shared mission while responding to the pastoral and spiritual needs of the Church.

A central focus of the papal message was the theme of the 2026 National Assembly, “One in Christ: Communal Life Today.” Drawing on previous reflections about religious life, Pope Leo encouraged participants to view community life as both a path to holiness and a source of strength for ministry.

He described communal life as “a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration, witness and strength” for apostolic work, underscoring the importance of fraternity within religious communities. The Pope emphasized that authentic religious life is expressed through the sharing of material resources, spiritual experiences, apostolic ideals, and charitable service.

Such shared life, he noted, reveals the presence of the Risen Lord among members of religious communities. Referencing the teaching of Saint John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata, Pope Leo highlighted the spiritual significance of living and serving together in communion.

The pontiff also expressed hope that the assembly’s program of reflection, dialogue, and prayer would help participants discern new ways to strengthen fraternal relationships both within individual institutes and among the wider family of religious communities represented by CMSM.

That deeper communion, he suggested, is essential to sustaining a credible Christian witness in contemporary society. He encouraged religious leaders to continue building relationships marked by unity and mutual support so that they may offer what he described as “a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ” in the communities and apostolates where they serve.

The message concluded with an assurance of the Pope’s spiritual closeness to those attending the National Assembly. Entrusting the gathering to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all participants and extended it to the members of the congregations and institutes they represent.

As CMSM marks its seventieth year, the papal message places renewed emphasis on the enduring value of community life, collaboration, and evangelical service. The anniversary celebration in Phoenix stands as both a recognition of the organization’s contribution to religious life in the United States and a call to continue fostering unity and faithful witness in the years ahead.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News