On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis will spend time in Castelnuovo di
Porto with young refugees who are hosted by the Reception Centre for Asylum
Seekers, known as the Centro di Accoglienza per Richiedenti Asilo , or CARA. The simple but eloquent visit will include the celebration of the
Rite of the Washing of Feet. The Pope will stoop to wash the feet of 12
refugees as a sign of service and attention to their situation. During the
Jubilee Audience held on Saturday, 12 March, in speaking about the act of the
washing of feet, Pope Francis stated: “By washing the feet of the Apostles,
Jesus wished to reveal God’s mode of action in regard to us, and to give an
example of his ‘new commandment’ (Jn 13:34) to love one another as He has loved
us, that is, laying down his life for us”. Delving deeper, he added that love
“is the practical service that we
offer to others. Love is not a word, it is a deed, a service; humble service, hidden and silent ”.
Indeed, “it is expressed in the sharing of
material goods, so that no one be left in need”. It is, moreover, “the
lifestyle that God suggests, even to non-Christians, as the authentic path of
humanity.” In light of these considerations we
can understand the symbolic value intended by Pope Francis’ visit to the CARA in Castelnuovo di Porto and his bending down to wash the feet
ofrefugees. His actions mean to tell us
that it is important to pay due attention to the weakest in this historic
moment; that we are all called to restore their dignity without resorting to
subterfuge. We are urged to look forward to Easter with the eyes of those who
make of their faith a life lived in service to those whose faces bear signs of
suffering and violence. Many of these young people are not
Catholic. Therefore this gesture by Pope Francis takes on even more eloquence.
It points to respect as the royal road to peace. Respect means being aware that
there is another person beside me. A person who walks with me, suffers with me,
rejoices with me. A person whom, one day, I may one day lean on for support. By
washing the feet of refugees, Pope Francis implores respect for each one of
them. Rino Fisichella…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has a sent telegramme to Jozef De Kesel, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels following the attacks on Tuesday morning in the Belgian capital Brussels. In the telegramme signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis prays for the victims, the injured and their families and again condemns “blind violence which causes so much suffering.” Please find below a Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s telegramme. Learning of the attacks in Brussels, which have affected many people, His Holiness Pope Francis entrusts to God’s mercy those who died and he prays for those who have lost relatives. He expresses his deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, and all those who contribute to relief efforts, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in this ordeal. The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering and imploring from God the gift of peace, he entrusts on the bereaved families and the Belgians the benefit of divine blessings. Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State of His Holiness (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Catholic Bishops of Belgium have issued a statement condemning the deadly terror attacks on the Brussels airport and underground stations on Monday, calling for prayerful solidarity with the victims and for national unity in response to the assault.
Below, please find Vatican Radio’s English translation of the Bisops’ statement
***************************************
“The bishops of Belgium are appalled to learn of the attack at Zaventem airport and in the center of Brussels. They share the anguish of thousands of travelers and their families, aviation professionals and the first responders who are once again called to service. They entrust the victims to the prayers of all in this new dramatic situation. Airport chaplains are every day at the service of all and provide the necessary spiritual support. May the whole country live these days with a great sense of civic responsibility.”
(from Vatican Radio)…