Rachael Kama, the Diocese of Parramatta’s Parish Engagement Coordinator and the Leader for the current Jubilee Pilgrimage to Greece, Türkiye and Rome experienced “the best day of my life” – celebrating Pope Leo’s birthday with him last week.
Rachael, a lay Augustinian leader was one of three selected globally to attend the 188th General Chapter of the OSA (Order of the Society of Augustinians) in the Vatican last week. The General Chapter is held every six years, and this was the first time laity were invited to attend and present to the group.
Rachael Kama (middle) during the presentation to the Chapter. Image: Supplied
Including the laity was an initiative of Pope Leo, or “Fr Bob” as Rachael knows him from her decades-long work with the Augustinians. And notably, for Rachael, the three lay people were diverse faces from around the world – Rachael, a Tongan woman from Western Sydney representing Australasia; Liliana from Peru representing Latin America; and Luis representing Europe and the UK.
They were joined by over 70 priests and three nuns from different contemplative monasteries around the world.
Rachael had to present to the Chapter on the topic of youth and young adults as well as a presentation on the general challenges, opportunities and recommendations for the Augustinians in Australia and Africa. A key focus is World Youth Day (WYD) in 2027 and their local event – Augustinian Youth Day following WYD.
After the presentations, the Chapter had a surprise visit – that went for hours.
Lay Augustinian leaders pose for a photo with Pope Leo XIV who made a surprise appearance. Image: Supplied
“He [Pope Leo] came after morning tea and did an address in Italian, followed by a 1.5 hour unfiltered Q&A session,” she said.
“He spoke a lot about youth and young adults, and I couldn’t believe it when he responded to each question in the language it was posed – Italian, English, Spanish, German.”
“He was asked everything – from the impacts of AI to the devastating situations in the Middle East and Africa. Someone asked, ‘how does it feel to be Pope?’ He replied ‘It’s interesting times, but I’m still in shock. I’m taking it one day at a time and he said he feels people’s prayers for him.”
“We then took official photos and had lunch and sang Happy Birthday in English and Spanish! It was an unforgettable experience. The best day of my life.”
Rachael with Pope Leo XIV. Image: Supplied
Rachael had to leave the Jubilee Pilgrimage for a few days to attend the Chapter.
“Knowing that when I was experiencing this, the pilgrim group including my mum were at Virgin Mary’s House in Ephesus, made me feel very connected to the pilgrims.”
“When I took my photo with him, I was shaking. He said, ‘Hello again, Rachael’ and I said, ‘Hello again, Fr Bob!’ We giggled and laughed. I asked him to pray for the pilgrim’s health and restoration.”
Rachael was joined by fellow Australians – Fr Peter Jones OSA, the Prior General for Australasia and Fr Anthony Banks OSA, the Augustinian Assistant General responsible for the Asia Pacific Region.
Now back with the pilgrimage group, Rachael is still on cloud nine, although she may have a “bit more work to do” following the great outcomes of the Chapter.
This encounter underpins our Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s objective of ‘a church renewed in spirit and prayer’ and priority of ‘community’. Visit our website to learn more.
Rachael Kama (centre) presenting at the 188th General Chapter of the OSA, the first to include laity under an initiative by Pope Leo XIV. Image: Supplied
