Accompaniment: Ad Limina Program 2025

This year, the General Administration holds a 10-Day Ad Limina Program for MSC Leaders from April 1-10.

The term “Ad limina” is short for the Latin phrase “Ad limina Apostolorum,” which means “to the thresholds of the Apostles.” It refers to the pilgrimage bishops make to Rome every five years to pray at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and meet with the Pope.

This tradition highlights the unity of the universal Church under the leadership of the Pope. It serves as a time for bishops to renew their faith and commitment to their apostolic ministry, report on the state of their dioceses, and discuss challenges and concerns with the Pope and the Vatican offices.

It is both a spiritual and administrative event.

In the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) context, the annual pilgrimage of new leaders to Rome can be understood as an “Ad Limina” experience, rooted in the same spirit as the traditional episcopal visits. Here, “Ad Limina” signifies a journey to the spiritual and historical heart of the Church, where leaders are strengthened in their mission and united in their shared identity as MSCs. This pilgrimage serves several key purposes:
· A Renewal of Mission and Communion: By connecting with the spiritual foundations of the Church, new leaders deepen their sense of belonging to the universal mission of Christ, mainly as expressed through the charism of the MSC. Like bishops visiting the thresholds of the Apostles, they are reminded of their shared roots and their role in continuing this mission.
· Formation in Leadership: The pilgrimage provides an opportunity for new leaders to receive training and guidance in leadership, equipping them to serve their communities with wisdom, compassion, and fidelity to MSC spirituality of the heart.
· A Time for Reflection and Prayer: Just as bishops pray at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, MSC leaders can draw strength from prayer and reflection, grounding their leadership in a deep relationship with Christ.
· Building a Global Sense of Unity: By gathering in Rome, leaders from across the MSC congregation experience a tangible sense of unity in their shared mission, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

Thus, the leader’s pilgrimage to Rome embodies an “Ad Limina” moment—a journey to the heart of the Church, where spiritual renewal, leadership formation, and communal identity converge to empower leaders for their sacred mission.

Please pray for leaders attending the ad limina.

Chris Chaplin, MSC