Pope Leo XIV sends special message to LifeTeen campers

This summer, teens from across the country gathered at Camp Covecrest in Tiger, Georgia, for a week of prayer, formation, and fellowship through the Life Teen program. Among those present were two members of the Midwest Augustinian family, Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Vocation Director and Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A., Assistant Vocation Director. They were joined by two Augustinian Sisters, Sr. Ariana Molina, O.S.A. and Sr. Amaya Hernandez, O.S.A. Throughout the week, all four of them assisted the Camp Covecrest team by offering support, accompanying campers on their spiritual journey, and encouraging them to discover God's presence in their daily lives.

One of the spiritual highlights of the week came when Fr. Tom shared a written personal greeting from Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A.

Pope Leo’s message was addressed directly to the campers and delivered with warmth and hope. He wrote, “Assure [the campers] of my prayers and encourage them to always look for the deeper meaning of the many different events that they experience in life.”

He reminded them that their “lives are very meaningful” and that “they are all a source of hope for their families, for the Church, and for the world.”

As the note concluded, Pope Leo expressed that he would be praying alongside the campers, and he sent his apostolic blessing to Camp Covecrest, along with an invocation of Christ’s peace.

For many of the Life Teen campers and staff, the message served as a powerful sign of connection to the Church and to the larger Augustinian family. It brought a sense of joy and encouragement — and remains a lasting reminder for everyone to live the virtues of truth, unity, and love in their walk with Christ.