Sister Vida Tomazic: Trust, trust and trust again
In an interview on August 16, 2026, Sister Vida Tomažič, a nun associated with the Order of Saint Francis of Jesus the King, discussed her spiritual journey, the concept of spiritual motherhood, and modern human challenges during the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. She shared how her calling developed over time through small signs and encounters, ultimately leading her to serve others through faith. Sister Vida emphasized the importance of respecting individual freedom and growth in spiritual guidance, drawing inspiration from Mary’s example of selfless love. She expressed concern about modern people losing connection with the spiritual dimensions of life, urging responses rooted in prayer, forgiveness, and compassion. Reflecting on what Mary would say to contemporary families, she suggested trust in God’s goodness and His ability to guide individuals toward the best path.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the gathered pilgrims during the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfu, reflecting on the story of the Canaanite woman from the Gospel. In his homily, he emphasized that God’s table is open to all, underscoring the universality of divine mercy. The Pope highlighted the woman’s unwavering faith, humility, and determination, noting how she sought Jesus for her suffering daughter despite being a foreigner and not part of the Israelite community. He pointed out that although the Gospel does not conceal the obstacles she faced, her persistence led to a profound moment of grace: “The woman, great is your faith! It shall be done unto you.” The Pope reminded the faithful that God’s action often transcends human expectations and boundaries. He urged them to remain attentive to encounters that challenge their plans, suggesting that such moments can reveal God’s call. “In every meeting, especially those that cross our plans, we are called to listen carefully and open our eyes and hearts to what God wishes to tell us,” he said. This message was reinforced with the idea that each person has a unique place before God, and thus, no one should be excluded from His presence. He further stressed that the Canaanite woman teaches the Church to be surprised by God’s work and to extend Christ’s peace beyond established limits. The Pope noted that God’s mercy frequently acts before the Church’s mission, urging Christians to be ready to receive and interpret divine messages. He concluded by describing the Church as the Church of Jesus Christ living in a world seeking peace, and he encouraged the faithful to turn to Mary’s intercession. He praised the Magnificat as the strongest and most innovative hymn ever sung, calling it a song of someone who sees reality through God’s eyes and thus never loses hope, acting always in love. In another account, the Pope reflected on the feast of the Assumption of Mary, drawing parallels between the Virgin’s union with her Son and the Church’s mission. He recalled the promise of fullness of life offered through Christ’s resurrection, which he described as a new life drawing believers closer. The Pope emphasized that faith already planted roots in the Canaanite woman, even though she did not belong to Jesus’ people or live in his homeland. Her persistent dialogue with Jesus, despite their lack of direct encounter, demonstrated a deep spiritual connection. “Jesus recognized her as a disciple who had already formed a bond with Him,” he said. The Pope reiterated that the Canaanite woman’s faith taught the Church to embrace God’s unexpected actions and to spread Christ’s peace beyond conventional borders. He underscored that God’s mercy often precedes the Church’s efforts, inviting believers to listen attentively and open themselves to divine revelations. He concluded by reaffirming the Church’s role as the body of Christ in a restless world searching for peace, and he invited the faithful to seek Mary’s intercession, highlighting the Magnificat as a powerful expression of hope and love. A separate report featured Sister Vida Tomazic, a nun of St. Francis Xavier, discussing the importance of trust in God. She shared her personal journey from economics to serving others, emphasizing that her vocation developed gradually through small signs and experiences. She viewed her path as guided by God, recognizing the interconnectedness of seemingly minor events into a meaningful whole. For Sister Vida, spiritual motherhood involves accompanying individuals on their journeys while respecting their freedom and growth. She likened this to Mary’s unconditional love, which does not possess but supports and guides. She observed that modern people often lose sight of light and upward gaze, citing recent vandalism in Medjugorje as an example of societal distress. She expressed concern over the absence of hope and spiritual awareness among some individuals, stressing the need for prayer, forgiveness, and compassion in times of difficulty. She emphasized that listening is essential, particularly in making important life decisions, which require thoughtful consideration rather than impulsive choices. Sister Vida believed that if Mary were to visit today, she would urge everyone to trust, trust again, and trust that God is good, guiding each person along the best path. She encouraged simple acts of devotion, such as prayer, visiting Marian shrines, or simply inviting Mary into one's life, offering each individual a personal way to celebrate the feast of the Assumption.
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