John Paul II receives the participants and leadership of the Claretians’ 22nd General Chapter, greeting their re-elected Superior General and representatives from the congregation’s provinces. Founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret, the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary continue his missionary zeal through preaching the Gospel, educating the faithful, and serving the poor, sick, marginalized, and those seeking God.

The Pope urges them to center personal and communal life on the Word of God, following Claret and the Virgin Mary, so that their ministry may draw strength and hope from the Holy Spirit. Their prophetic witness must unite preaching with integrity, expressed through the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Prayer and the Eucharist deepen intimacy with Christ, enabling them to become leaven in society and encourage new vocations. John Paul II invokes the Martyrs of Barbastro and entrusts the congregation to Mary, whose attentive love for Christ and humanity is presented as a model for their apostolic service, before imparting his Apostolic Blessing.