On June 16, 2026, our beloved Cardinal Camillo Ruini was called home to the Lord. For us, the Missionaries of Divine Revelation, he was truly a father and a shepherd after the Heart of Christ, as the Gospel says.
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. (John 10:14).
Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome from 1991 to 2008, he became deeply devoted to the Grotto of the Three Fountains at the encouragement of Saint John Paul II. On April 2, 1997, he signed the decree officially naming that blessed place "Saint Mary of the Third Millennium at Tre Fontane."
Cardinal Ruini believed in the small seed of our community, which was born in the spiritual legacy of Mother Prisca. From the very beginning, he guided us through the decisive milestones of our journey: on February 11, 2001, with the approval of our first Statutes; on January 12, 2004, by entrusting us with the welcome of pilgrims and the Museum at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran; and on December 8, 2006, with the further approval of the Statutes and the Rule of Life of the Missionaries of Divine Revelation.
We cherish the memory of our last meeting with him on December 13, 2022, at his residence in the Minor Seminary of Rome. Mother Rebecca and Sister Agnese were welcomed by a shepherd whose body had grown frail, yet whose gentle smile and bright eyes remained full of life. When Mother Rebecca asked, "Your Eminence, do you remember the community you helped bring into being?" he replied joyfully, "Of course! I am happy to have helped plant your little seed in the Diocese of Rome." He was deeply pleased to learn of the growth of our apostolate, giving particular attention to and encouragement for our distinctive pastoral ministry of "Catechesis through Art." His words were filled with affection and esteem, and he embraced us with fatherly warmth.
We accompany him with our prayers, confident that he is held in the embrace of Jesus and is now experiencing the Father's promise:
Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage the kingdom prepared for you...." (Mt 25:34).
Thank you, dear Your Eminence.
Continue to watch over us from Heaven.
Amen