Surprise! Pope Francis visits convents on his day off

Rieti, Italy, Aug 9, 2016 / 16:06 pm

In keeping with his spontaneous personality, Pope Francis made a surprise visit Tuesday to two convents north of Rome.

The Pope visited the province of Rieti the morning of Aug. 9, stopping by the monastery of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Philippa Mareri in Borgo San Pietro.

He also visited the convent of the Benedictine Sisters of Reparation of the Holy Face of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Carsoli, which is just outside the province.

He was accompanied by Bishop Domenico Pompili of Rieti and by the bishop's assistant, Sister Angela Severino.

Pope Francis has made a surprise visit to Rieti before. On Jan. 4 he met with the local Franciscan community and venerated the shrine in Greccio, where it is believed that Saint Francis set up the first Nativity Scene.

He also visited with Bishop Pompili on that occasion, and met a group of about 70 youth taking part in a pilgrimage to the shrine.

Founded by Father Ildebrando Gregori, the Benedictine Sisters of Reparation now has congregations in Italy, Poland, and India. The monastery of the Franciscan Sisters in Borgo San Pietro is the motherhouse of the congregation, although they have several other locations throughout Italy, and one in Albania.

According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the Vatican press office said that it was "a private visit" and had no public nature.