Franciscan Sister Jean Clare Rohe, 104, the oldest member of Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, died at her congregation’s motherhouse in Aston, Pa., May 16. She had been a professed member of her order for 84 years.

Deacon John Joseph Rafter Jr., who had a passion for bringing people into the Catholic Church, died May 11 at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie. He was 79.

Granting an exception to canon law, Pope Francis said the Vatican office that deals with religious orders can permit men’s communities that are made up of both priests and brothers to choose one of the brothers to be a provincial superior or even the superior general.

St. Charles de Foucauld, who was canonized May 15, is a great model to follow in placing the Lord and service to others at the center of one’s life and action, the pope said May 18 during a meeting with members of the Charles de Foucauld Spiritual Family Association.

Pope Francis praised the way people have faced the trials and losses in their lives with a firmness of faith in God’s promises and love.