Angelo Sabella

Longtime member and office staff of Courage International

As a member of Courage for so many years, what did this visit with the Holy Father mean to you?

As you can imagine, meeting the Holy Father was both an incredible honor and a genuine joy. This experience wasn’t just for me — I went carrying the intentions of the many Courage and EnCourage members, seen and unseen across the globe. As a brother in Christ put it so perfectly, it was a “kiss from God.” For many it means, we are here and we’re not forgotten. Yes, being centered in chastity truly is part of the Good News. I also brought with me our founder, Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, my colleagues, and the many chaplains who have given and continue to give themselves to this apostolate — a living reminder that we are an essential part of the One Body of Christ, the Church.

Did this audience renew your commitment to the apostolate and your mission to the church? 

Most definitely—my work and service to Courage have always been a vocation. By God’s grace, there has exist a deep awareness within me of the importance of this mission, calling me to commit myself fully and serve this community with fidelity. Invitations like this do not come along every day. A part of me initially wondered, why me? Yet once the initial shock gave way, it became clear that this was less an honor and more a responsibility—to rise up, to accept, and to represent the apostolate well (many names, faces and friends came to mind who truly inspire me). Over the years, my time with Courage has been a path of spiritual formation and interior growth. In many ways, this audience served as a reminder of Divine Intervention, and an invitation to offer even greater thanks and praise to God. Without a doubt, a renewal has taken place and a much greater appreciation for the Goals of Courage & EnCourage. A heartfelt thank you to our dear Fr. JFH!

Father Brian Gannon

Executive Director of Courage International

As the executive director of Courage, what did the papal audience mean to you?

The meeting with the Holy Father for me was/is a tremendous grace from God in answer to the many prayers of so many faithful in the apostolate. A spiritual morale booster to know that the Holy Father is very interested in our success and well being and prays for us!

What do you think this meeting means for Courage and EnCourage chaplains?

For the chaplains this becomes a huge morale booster as well. We know for sure that the Holy Father supports our fidelity to Catholic morality and at the same time is solicitous of our needs and hopes for the many members of the apostolate. He is praying for us! 

Did Pope Leo speak on the themes of chastity, accompaniment, and freedom in a way that made an impression on you? What did you share with the Pope?

The pope in particular talked about the subjective woundedness every individual experiences and the importance of our understanding the need for spiritual accompaniment and being instruments of God’s mercy and love to help. Chastity sets us free! I shared with the Holy Father our enormous gratitude for extending this generous time with him, and asked him to pray for us and to offer whatever blessings he could. I shared with him the enormous growth of Courage Internationally the last few years and how through a few dedicated disciples so much good is accomplished through God’s grace.  

Father Kyle Schnippel

Chair, Board of Directors and Courage Chaplain

What did the audience with Pope Leo XIV mean for you as a priest and Courage chaplain/board director, and what are your hopes for the future?

More than anything else, I think it was validation for the work of Courage and the ministry we do. Working with the men in my Courage Group, I think this was an event in which many who have felt overlooked within the Church were finally able to be seen, known, and recognized by the Church in an official capacity. It was a true honor to represent the men, women, and families of Courage before the Holy Father.

What do you think this meeting means for Courage and EnCourage chaplains?

This meeting was a confirmation that what we do as Chaplains for Courage is at the heart of the Gospel. The Holy Father really grasped the sense of walking with the individual towards freedom of heart. We also talked about the Road to Emmaus and how Jesus, for a time, walked away from Jerusalem with Cleopas and his companion. When they were ready for the truth, Jesus was there. Pope Leo held that up as a great example for a chaplain’s work of walking with potential members while they slowly come to freedom.

What did you share with the Holy Father?

I shared how the work of Courage has really impacted my priesthood in such a positive and powerful way, as it has given me a perspective of how the Cross brings life, in a new and profound way. And I am eternally grateful that my Archbishop appointed me to this work. In addition, I offered that we, as Courage, want to be a part of the conversations, at the Vatican, when topics in this realm arise. We have nearly 50 years of experience in this area, and want to support him in bringing persons to a greater freedom in Christ.

You can also read Fr. Schnippel's initial letter, written the day of their visit, here.