杏MAP导航

By Lydia O'Kane

Sister Maria Concetta Esu is an Italian nun who for almost 60 years has devoted her life to missionary work in Africa. In her profession as a midwife, Sister Concetta has delivered thousands of babies and at 85 her commitment to children, mothers and families continues.

In recognition of her tireless efforts, 杏MAP导航 Francis at the end of his General Audience on Wednesday, honoured this Sister from the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Joseph of Genoni, telling her this accolade was 鈥渁 sign of our affection and our 鈥榯hanks鈥� for all the work you have done in the midst of our African brothers and sisters, in the service of life鈥︹��

The 杏MAP导航 told the pilgrims present that he had met Sr Maria Concetta in Bangui in the Central African Republic during his visit to open the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015, adding, 鈥渢hat day, too, she came from Congo in a canoe, 鈥� to do her shopping in Bangui.鈥�

While honouring this religious sister, the Pontiff also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all the missionaries, priests, religious and laity, who, he said, may not make the news, but 鈥渟ow the seeds of the Kingdom of God in every part of the world.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 also spoke of Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, who he recounted 鈥済oes to the cemetery and visits the graves of missionaries; many young people who have died from diseases...鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis said that the Cardinal told him, 鈥榯hey all deserve to be canonized鈥�, because their life has been 鈥榗onsumed鈥� in service.

Sister Maria Concetta, who is in Rome for a meeting with her Congregation, is due to return to Africa to continue her work. Bidding her farewell, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, 鈥淟et us accompany her with prayer. And may her example help us all to live the Gospel wherever we are."