(Vatican Radio) “Every state of life leads to holiness, always”, but only if we are open to the grace of God’s gift, said Pope Francis Wednesday, speaking of the universal call to holiness of all baptized at his general audience.
In his catechesis at the General Audience, the Pope we must remember that holiness is a gift from God – it is not something we can achieve on our own.
Holiness, he continued “is not the prerogative of only a few: holiness is a gift that is offered to all, without exception, so that it constitutes the distinctive character of every Christian.”
“We are all called to be saints,” he said. But holiness is not “granted only to those who have the opportunity to break away from the ordinary tasks, to devote themselves to prayer.” Rather, everyone is called to holiness in their own state of life. “Indeed,” he said, “it is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints… Always and everywhere you can become a saint, that is, by being receptive to the grace that is working in us and leads us to holiness.”
Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s catechesis:
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning.
A great gift of the Second Vatican Council was to have retrieved a vision of the Church founded on communion, and to have also embodied the principle of authority and hierarchy in this context. This has helped us to better understand that all Christians, as baptized, are equal in dignity before God and are united by vocation, which is to holiness (cf. Const. Lumen Gentium, 39-42). Now we ask: what does this universal call to holiness consist of? And how can we achieve it?
1. First, we must bear in mind that holiness is not something that we can procure for ourselves or obtain with our quality and our skills. Holiness is gifted to us by the Lord Jesus, when He takes us up with Him and clothes us in Himself, making us like Him. In the Letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul says that “Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for her, to make her holy”(Eph 5.25 to 26). There, holiness truly is the most beautiful face of the Church, the most beautiful face: it is rediscovering ourselves in communion with God, in the fullness of His life and His love. It is understandable, then, that holiness is not the prerogative of only a few: holiness is a gift that is offered to all, without exception, so that it constitutes the distinctive character of every Christian.
2. All of this helps us to realize that the call to holiness is not just for bishops, priests or religious … No. We are all called to become saints! So often, we are tempted to think that holiness is granted only to those who have the opportunity to break away from the ordinary tasks, to devote themselves to prayer. But it is not so! Some people think that holiness is closing your eyes and putting on a pious face… No! That is not holiness! Holiness is something greater, more profound that God gifts us. Indeed, it is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints. And everyone in the particular condition and state of life in which they find themselves. Are you consecrated? Be holy living your gift and your ministry with joy. Are you married? Be holy loving and taking care of your husband or your wife, as Christ did with the Church. Are you a baptized person who is not married? Be holy performing your work with honesty and competence and giving time to the service of others. “But, father, I work in a factory … I work as an accountant, always with the numbers, I cannot be a saint there…” – “Yes, you can! There, where you work you can become a saint. God gives you the grace to become a saint. God communicates with you.” Always and everywhere you can become a saint, that is, by being receptive to the grace that is working in us and leads us to holiness. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by passionately teaching your children or grandchildren to know and follow Jesus. And this takes a lot of patience, to be a good parent, a good grandfather, a good mother, a good grandmother, it takes a lot of patience and this patience is the holiness exercising patience. Are you a catechist, educator or volunteer? Be holy by becoming a visible sign of God’s love and His presence beside us. This is it: every state of life leads to holiness, always! At home, on the streets, at work, at church, in the moment and with the state of life that you have, a door is opened on the road to sainthood. Do not be discouraged to travel this road. God gives you the grace to do so. And this is all that the Lord asks, is that we are in communion with Him and serve others. If lived in communion with the Lord and in the service of others.
3. At this point, each of us can examine our conscience, we can do it now, everyone answering for himself, inside, in silence: So far how have we responded to God’s call to holiness? But do I want to improve, to be a better Christian? This is the path to holiness. When the Lord calls us to be saints, he does not call us to something hard or sad… Not at all! It is an invitation to share His joy, to live and offer every moment of our lives with joy, at the same time making it a gift of love for the people around us. If we understand this, everything changes and takes on a new meaning, a beautiful meaning, to begin with the little everyday things. An example. A lady goes to the market to shop and meets another neighbor and starts talking and then comes the gossip and this lady says, “No, no, no I will not gossip about anyone.” That’s one step towards holiness, this helps you to become more holy. Then, at home, your son asks you to talk to him about his fantasies: “Oh, I’m so tired, I worked so hard today…” – “But sit down and listen to your son, he needs this.” And you sit, you listen with patience… This is a step towards holiness. Then at end the day, we are all tired, but prayer… We must pray! That’s one way to holiness. Then Sunday comes and you go to Mass and to take Communion, at times, a good confession that cleans us up a little. This is a step towards holiness. Then, Our Lady, so good, so beautiful, I take up the Rosary and pray. This is a step towards holiness. And so many steps towards holiness, little ones… Then I go down the street, I see a poor person, someone in need, I ask him, give him something, another step towards holiness. Small things are small steps toward holiness. And every step towards holiness will make us better people, free from selfishness and being closed in on ourselves, and open us up to our brothers and sisters and their needs.
Dear friends, in the First Letter of Saint Peter we hear this exhortation: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, (4.10 to 11). Here is the call to holiness! Accept it with joy, and let us support one another, because we do not travel the path to holiness by ourselves, no, each on their own, but together, that one body which is the Church, loved and made holy by the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us go forward with courage, on this path towards holiness. Thank you.
After the catechesis Pope Francis made the following appeal:
Friday, November 21, on the liturgical memorial of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, we celebrate the Pro Orantibus, dedicated to cloistered religious communities. It is a good opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work, recognizing the primacy that only He deserves. We thank the Lord for the testimony of cloistered life. May they never lack our spiritual and material support to carry out this important mission.
And in his greetings to Italian-speaking pilgrims, the Pope appealed for prayers for the victims of flooding in northern Italy:
We remember, too, the victims of the recent flooding in Liguria and in the north of Italy: Let us pray for them, and for the families, and let us be in solidarity with those who have suffered damage.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has made a heartfelt plea to Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the violence which has plagued Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land in recent weeks. His appeal follows an attack on a Jerusalem synagogue Tuesday in which 2 Palestinian men armed with a meat cleaver and a gun killed three U.S.-Israeli rabbis and a British-Israeli man. An Israeli policeman later died of his wounds.
In remarks at the General Audience Wednesday, Pope Francis said, “I am following with concern the alarming increase in tension in Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land, with unacceptable episodes of violence that do not spare even the places of worship. I assure a special prayer for all the victims of this dramatic situation and for those who suffer most as a result. From the bottom of my heart, I make an appeal to the parties involved to put an end to the spiral of hatred and violence and to make courageous decisions for reconciliation and peace. Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a torment!”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio/VIS) A press conference took place in the Vatican on Tuesday morning to present the International Conference on Autism, organised by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, which will take place from November 20th to 22nd.
The speakers were Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, Msgr. Jean-Marie Mate Musivi Mupendawatu and Fr. Augusto Chendi, M.I., respectively secretary and under-secretary of the same dicastery; and Stefano Vicari, head of the Department of Child Neuropsychiatry at the Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital, Rome.
Archbishop Zimowski explained that the term “autism” was first used by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911 to describe the introversion of schizophrenic patients. Subsequently, in 1943, his colleague Leo Kanner described the disorder for the first time, affirming that autistic children were born with a congenital incapacity to establish normal contact with other people. It is currently defined as a “neuro-behavioural disturbance (also known as Kanner’s Syndrome) of a pervasive type”, of multifactorial origin. In general, autism spectrum disorders manifest themselves before the age of three, and are life-long. The most recent statistics confirm that around 1% of children worldwide are affected.
“The many difficulties, including those of an ethical, moral and spiritual nature, faced by those with autism spectrum disorders and their carers have led us to choose such an important, difficult and delicate theme for this conference”, the prelate explained. “It will be a special occasion for observing the advances that have been made in research and treatment, as well as legal and political-administrative aspects; three valuable days for listening and exchanging experiences, and learning from the world’s most qualified specialists.”
The Conference will be attended by more than 650 people from 57 different countries, and will include an encounter with the Holy Father during the Wednesday general audience, as well as an exhibition of paintings by the Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee, a moment of prayer and testimonies from people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families, and associations. Various famous Italian singers will offer a musical contribution.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Tuesday met with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, who then met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
A statement from the Holy See Press office said the two men spoke of the cordial relations existing between the Holy See and Senegal, among other things emphasizing the important contribution of the Church in the areas of education and health, as well as the role played in working for peace and national reconciliation.
Finally, they spoke about international issues, with particular attention paid to the current areas of crisis in the region.
(from Vatican Radio)…
The VII World Congress on the Pastoral Care of migration organized by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People on the theme “Cooperation and development in the pastoral care of immigrants” opened on Monday at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. About three hundred participants came from 93 countries in 5 continents. Below, please find the full text of the presentation of the Congress, given by the Secretary of the Council, Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil: As Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, it is my pleasure to present to you, at the beginning of this first full-day of proceedings, the goals and aspirations of these next few days of our meeting. We have gathered here together for this 7 th World Congress in continuity with the six Events that preceded it and, indeed, this is a World Congress as those present come from all ends of the Earth: from over 100 countries of all five Continents. The Congress is so designed that each day is dedicated to a different topic within the wider context of the theme of this Event: “ Cooperation and Development in the Pastoral Care of Migrations ”. Our plan of action is structured in such a way so as to culminate, through the different conferences and further debates that elaborate on the key note addresses, in the personal exchange and the expression of concrete ideas and thoughts in the Working Groups of the afternoon. My dear friends, we are here not only to share our experiences and ideas, but to work together to elaborate recommendations and ideas that will be of assistance to each one of us in our pastoral care for the next few years. I. Day One – The Diaspora In the context of the theme of the Congress, the first full day of proceedings is dedicated to the subject of the diaspora , in particular the labor migration of workers – a phenomenon characteristic to so many different nations around the globe. As a result of the modern-day globalization process, it is a trend among residents of one country to leave for better living prospects in a more developed country. Primarily migrating in search of better job opportunities and better life conditions, these migrants often leave behind their families and relatives in the hopes of sending back remittances to better their economic and social status, and one day finding a way to help them migrate abroad, as well. It is a great pleasure, therefore, that the Main Conference of the day, which will serve as the basis for today’s work, will be delivered by His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle , Archbishop of Manila and Member of our Pontifical Council, who is also a citizen of a country that has one of the largest population outside of its borders, the Philippines. The Conference will be on the subject of “ Diaspora and Cooperation: Towards the Development of the World and of the Church ”. In reference to both society and the Church, today, it is necessary to recognize the need to strengthen synergies between international migration and development at the global, national, regional and local levels. In a general ecclesial perspective, migration must always be seen in the context of the universality of the Church: integration at the local Church level is always in view of the Universal Church, while at the same time respecting the particularities and necessities of the Local Church. Within the context of the diaspora arises a very important subject that is often affected by labor migration, that is, that of the family which will be the center of attention for the first Round Table of the Congress, entitled “ The Migrant Family in the Context of the Diaspora ”. In his Message for the World Day of the Migrant and Refugee for 2007, specifically dedicated to the migrant family, Pope Benedict XVI stated that “ An attentive pastoral presence is necessary. Aside from giving assistance capable of healing the wounds of the heart, pastoral care should also offer the support of the Christian community, able to restore the culture of respect and have the true value of love found again ”. The family is the source for the culture of life, and a factor for the integration of human and Christian values. This remains true of the family with respect to the phenomenon of migration, which has taken on structural dimensions in today’s society. The care of the migrant family requires not only cooperation between the country of origin and the respective country of destination, but also a strong cooperation between the Church of origin, and the Church which welcomes the migrant family. To discuss and share their insight on the matter for the Round Table, we will have the honor of guest speakers from three different cultural backgrounds: His Excellency Bishop John Charles Wester of Salt Lake City (USA), His Excellency Bishop Lucio Andrice Muandula of Xai-Xai (Mozambique), and His Excellency Bishop Mario Toso , Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. II. Day Two – Migrants as Partners Continuing our reflections on cooperation and development in the pastoral care of migrations, the keyword for the second full-day of proceedings is partner . Migrants contribute and cooperate substantially to the well-being and to the development not only of their country of origin, but of their country of adoption, as well. The deliberations of the day will aim, in some way, to acknowledge and underline the important role that migrants play as partners in the development of origin, transit and destination countries and to recognize the need to improve public perceptions of migrants and migration, and to recognize the contributions of migrants towards development in both origin and destination countries. This same approach will apply to the role migrants play within the Church community where they currently find themselves at the moment. To deliver the Main Conference for the day, entitled “ Migrants as Partners in the Development of Countries of Origin, of Transit and of Destination ”, will be Dr. Johan Ketelers , Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), who is also Consultor and longtime collaborator and friend of our Pontifical Council. The concept of “partner” naturally leads us into the consideration of the role of women migrants in the second Round Table of the Congress. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), female migration has reached about 49% of the entire migration population. Women are capable of changing and transforming both the face of cooperation and development. In the past, their movements were strongly tied with family reunification. Today, women are protagonists and leading players along with their male counterparts in the role that they undertake in today’s society. In the Round Table discussion, entitled “ The Role of Women Migrants in Cooperation and Development ”, it will be our great pleasure to host three exceptional persons: Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem from Lagos (Nigeria), Coordinator of the African Network Against Human Trafficking; Dr. Martina Liebsch , Advocacy and Policy Director of Caritas Internationalis ; and Sr. Rosita Milesi from Brasília (Brazil), Director of the Migration and Human Rights Institute ( Instituto Migrações e Direitos Humanos ). Their interventions will assist us in paving the theological and pastoral foundation for the solicitude of the Church towards female migrants, and to understand better their situation and role in both society and the Church. III. Day Three – The Dignity of the Migrant In his first Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees for 2014, Pope Frances states: “ The face of each person bears the mark of the face of Christ! Here we find the deepest foundation of the dignity of the human person, which must always be respected and safeguarded. It is less the criteria of efficiency, productivity, social class, or ethnic or religious belonging which ground that personal dignity, so much as the fact of being created in God’s own image and likeness and, even more so, being children of God. Every human being is a child of God! He or she bears the image of Christ! ” For this reason, the third full-day of proceedings of the Congress has been dedicated to the subject of migrant dignity . Human dignity plays an important role in the managing of migrant flows and in the approach that both civil and ecclesial communities take in reference to the presence of migrants among them. It is a concept that derives from the recognition that all human persons were created in the image and likeness of God. Religious, ethnic, social or cultural variables, citizenship or lack of it, do not change this fact that gives any individual an inherent and immeasurable worth and dignity to the point that each human life is considered sacred. In leading us, therefore, in our reflections with the Main Conference, “ The Dignity of the Migrant – a Child of God, Created in His Image and Likeness, Who Bears the Image of Christ the Migrant ”, will be His Excellency Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi , Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and longtime collaborator of this Pontifical Council. The third Round Table will further the discussion begun in the Main Conference, turning its attention to the subject of young migrants and their role in society and in the Church. Our deliberations will seek, in some way, to recognize the particular vulnerabilities, circumstances and needs of adolescents and young migrants, while at the same time expounding and noting the great potential that these young persons have in building social, economic, cultural and religious bridges of cooperation and understanding across societies and Church communities. Our three guest speakers, who will elaborate and debate on the subject of “ Young Migrants: Potential in Building Bridges of Cooperation Between Societies Towards Development ”, are: His Excellency Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta , Archbishop of Panama City (Panama) and President of S.E.D.A.C.; His Excellency Bishop Barthélemey Adoukonou , Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture; and Reverend Father Maurizio Pettenà , National Director of the Australian Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office in Canberra (Australia) and Consultor of this Pontifical Council. Coming from three very different backgrounds, it is our hope that the discussion will give insight to our pastoral care of young migrants. IV. Workshops and Presentations Dear participants! This Congress is not just an Event in which we all remain still and passive. This is our Congress! In order to offer you the opportunity to reflect on the Conferences and Round Tables, the program has provided three afternoon workshop sessions. They are planned to give you the chance to make your own personal contributions based on your personal knowledge and experiences, to further expound on what has been presented in the previous lectures and dialogues. It is highly recommended that each of you actively participate in the Workshops, as your reflections and the considerations you will express will hopefully lead to the formulation, at the conclusion of this Meeting, of a Final document that will be an instrument that will serve all of us in our pastoral care and approach for the next five years. One final note regarding the Congress: every day we will have the opportunity to listen and watch short presentations prepared by eleven Bishops’ Conferences. They will be a chance to experience, at least in some small form, the richness and variety that the Catholic Church offers in its pastoral care of migrants. To all those who put in their time and effort to prepare this portion of the program, my profound and sincere thanks. As this Seventh World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants opens, I wish to conclude by quoting a passage from the Encyclical letter Spe salvi of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI: “ Every generation has the task of engaging anew in the arduous search for the right way to order human affairs; this task is never simply completed ”. And continuing, the Holy Father stated: “ Yet every generation must also make its own contribution to establishing convincing structures of freedom and of good, which can help the following generation as a guideline for the proper use of human freedom ” (n. 25). This task begins here, today. May this encounter together bring bountiful fruit in the assistance of our brothers and sisters migrants, who are “on the move” in search of a better future and the hope of encountering kindness and help, which are a reflection of the Father’s love for each one of us. (from Vatican Radio)…