(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received the President of the Republic of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who later met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.
A communique from the Holy See Press Office called the meeting “cordial” and said the parties took note of the good relations existing between the Holy See and Togo, and the prospects for their further consolidation. The talks then focused on the contribution of Catholics to the development of the country and the integral progress of the Togolese people, especially in the field of education.
The communique said they also reviewed a number of challenges affecting the countries of West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, stressing the need for a common commitment to work towards peace and security in the region.
During the meeting, Pope Francis gave the President copies of the Encyclical Laudato si’ and the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. President Gnassingbé gave the Holy Father a framed work of abstract art, created by an artist of Togo.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The heart of the Christian is magnanimous because we were born of a loving Father and our arms should be open wide to welcome everyone with generosity – that’s what the Pope said at Thursday morning’s Mass at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican. Among those attending the Mass was a number of priests who celebrated with the Pope their 50th year of ordination.
Listen to this report by Tracey McClure:
The Christian is a witness to the light of God
“The mystery of God is light” – says Pope Francis – who comments on the day’s Gospel in which Jesus says that the lamp does not come “to be put under a bushel, or under the bed, but to be put on the lampstand to illuminate: ”
“And this is one of the traits of a Christian who has received the light in Baptism and must give it. That is, the Christian is a witness. Testimony. One of the peculiarities of Christian behavior. A Christian who brings this light, must show it because he is a witness. When a Christian would prefer not to show the light of God but prefers his own darkness, this enters his heart because he is afraid of the light . And the idols, which are dark, he likes best. So he lacks: he’s missing something and is not a true Christian. Witness: a Christian is a witness. Of Jesus Christ, the Light of God. He has to put that light on the lampstand of his life.”
The Christian is magnanimous: loses in order to gain Christ
In the Gospel, Jesus says: “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.” “Another trait of the Christian,” says the Pope, “is magnanimity, because he is the child of a magnanimous father, of great heart.”
“The Christian heart is magnanimous. It is open, always. It is not a heart that is closed in on its own selfishness. Or one that’s calculating: up to this point, up to here. When you enter this light of Jesus, when you enter into Jesus’ friendship, when you let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit, the heart becomes open, magnanimous… The Christian, then, does not gain, but loses. But he loses to gain something else, and in this (between quotation marks) ‘defeat’ of interests, he gains Jesus; he gains by becoming Jesus’ witness.”
Thanks to the priests who have given light
Pope Francis then addresses those present who are celebrating 50 years of service in the priesthood:
“For me it is a joy to celebrate with you today, as you mark the 50 th anniversary of your priesthood: 50 years on the path of light and giving witness, 50 years of trying to be better, trying to bring light to the lampstand. Sometimes we fall, but we get up again, always with the desire to give light, generously, that is, with a magnanimous heart. Only God and your own memory know how many people you have received generously with the kindness of fathers, of brothers … to how many people whose heart was a bit ‘dark’ have you given light, the light of Jesus. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done in the Church, for the Church and for Jesus.”
“May the Lord give you joy, this great joy,” the Pope concluded, “of having sown well, of having shown light well and of having opened your arms to receive all with magnanimity.”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The 51st International Eucharistic Congress is taking place this week in Cebu, Philippines.
The event brings together thousands of people from around the world, to worship together and to celebrate the Eucharist.
The head of Vatican Radio’s English Section, Seán Patrick Lovett is in Cebu for the Congress. He said Thursday’s highlight was the address by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who spoke on the topic of “The Eucharist and Culture.” The Cardinal spoke of the need for a kind of “cultural intelligence,” which he defined as “a cultural awareness that allows us to meet people where they are at.”
Listen to Seán Patrick Lovett’s report:
(from Vatican Radio)…