(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with the male and female religious of the Diocese of Rome in a private audience on Saturday in occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life.
Listen to the report:
In his meeting, Pope Francis spoke off-the-cuff in response to questions ranging from the tensions of urban monastic life to the practical aspects of priestly ministry.
In response to a question by a nun about the delicate balance between concealment and visibility in the convent, the Holy Father called it a ‘vital tension, a tension lived in your soul; it is the call of God toward both the hidden life and the need to be a sign’.
‘But Father, should the news be heard in the monastery? It must be!’, he said. ‘The news of what happens in the world, for example, of war, of disease, of how much people suffer’.
Explaining, he continued: ‘Your vocation is not a refuge; it is going onto the battlefield, like Moses with his hands raised in prayer as the people fought’.
Responding to another question about the similarity of married love to the love of consecrated life, Pope Francis said that they are the same love.
‘There is a dimension of spousal love in a woman’s consecration … even for male religious, because in the place of Jesus, [the bishop] marries the Church’.
Turning to the topic of obedience, the Holy Father recalled the words of the apostle Paul about Jesus Christ who ‘humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.’ Saying, ‘The mystery of Christ is one of fruitful obedience, as is that of the consecrated life; obedience is the icon of the way of Christ.’
Closing his remarks, Pope Francis addressed the theme of consecrated life as a gift.
‘It is a gift of God, of prophecy! It is a free gift in the heart of a person for a congregation, which is itself a gift for the world’.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin celebrated Mass on Saturday for participants of Caritas Internationalis’ General Assembly in Rome 12-17 May. Cardinal Parolin reminded the members of the Church’s confederation of Catholic aid and development agencies that Caritas is to recognise and give witness to Jesus as the Christ.
Below, we publish the full text of Cardinal Parolin’s Homily:
Dear Friends,
Every General Assembly of an organisation, as vast and well-known as Caritas Internationalis , is like a finishing line, and this is perhaps true of this gathering in a special way. In the last four years a profound change has been experienced in the Confederation, and in a way this Assembly draws to a close a period of transformation, which arose from the necessity of adapting the nature of Caritas Internationalis to its public juridical personality in Canon Law. This gathering, therefore, represents an important finishing line, and, for this reason, I wanted to be with you to celebrate this Eucharist, which is, above all, an act of thanksgiving to God who has accompanied us and who continues to accompany us on our path in life.
The Word of God, which we have heard today, is alive with the special climate of these days and marked by the mystery of the Ascension. Today’s Gospel concludes with the words: “ I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father ” (Jn. 16: 28). These words describe Jesus’s self-awareness, the Son of God come into the world to save it from sin and from death; the Son who now returns to the Father in order still to be with us, not in the form of a visible person, but in the mystery of an invisible, but effective presence; removed from the senses, and yet palpable; transcendent, and yet profoundly historical, exercising real influence on history and bringing it to its fulfilment.
The first reading describes the story of Apollo, a disciple who vigorously proclaims Christ and shows that the presence of the Son of God has its primary expression in the Church, that is in that group of disciples who, having recognised the mystery of Christ, become his witnesses, in order to engage all people in the joy of the Gospel. I am struck by the fact that, in this passage from the Acts of the Apostles, as in other parts of the New Testament, the joy of the Gospel is summarised in a few words: “Jesus is the Christ”. The author of Acts sums up the preaching of Apollo in these words: “[ he ] established from [ the Scriptures ] that the Christ is Jesus ” (Acts 18: 28). Thus the self-awareness of Jesus continues in the work of the Church.
Dear friends, addressing you today I cannot but pause to contemplate this affirmation: Jesus is the Christ, the heart of the Church’s preaching . This should become flesh of our flesh; and this, above all, in our personal life.
Being Christian – professing that Jesus is the Christ – is, in the first instance, a personal attitude, matured and pondered by those who have responsibility at different levels of Caritas . A personal attitude and not an external label. It is from this intimate conviction that can flow a service that is worthy of the name we bear. We cannot do other than underline that the first objective of Caritas is to recognise and give witness to Jesus as the Christ.
This cannot ever simply be taken for granted, as if it were an obvious premise, but is rather a personal adhesion which is renewed every day. I cordially invite you to consider this Christian faith dimension of your service as the primary element which makes of Caritas a genuine Caritas Christi .
This is the wellspring that gives sense to our presence in the world: as a continuation of the Lord’s presence. It also becomes the criterion for judging the reality that surrounds us. For economic and social questions, for those of an ecological and anthropological nature, Christians have at their disposal a measure to read and interpret such reality with the eyes of Christ. As Christians these realities pose us questions, requiring an answer. We cannot simply be indifferent faced with the great needs of humanity.
In particular I think of major emergencies, such as that which has affected Nepal these last weeks, or of the major crises such as in Syria or in Iraq, for which the International Community has not been able to find a path to an equitable and shared solution.
But the real challenge our the faith is in the style of our response. How does our faith bear upon the interpretation of human needs and the response that is given to them? This is the question that should precede, accompany and complete every strategic or political consideration.
It seems to me that one of the principal characteristics of this style, which sets apart a Catholic charity organisation, and particularly Caritas , should be the personal encounter with the person who is suffering. It is striking that Pope Francis speaks not of poverty, but of the poor. Behind every social phenomenon, there are people. When the Church speaks of the centrality of the person, this also is what is meant: that our genuine point of attention be the person, before considering social processes.
Shaking someone’s hands, looking into their eyes, offering a friendly presence, saving a person from loneliness – this should be the concern of the work of Caritas : for the wellbeing of the person, created in the image and likeness of God, the privileged place in which God makes himself manifest. It is not merely by chance that Jesus identifies himself with the suffering person: I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was naked, sick and imprisoned (cfr. Mt. 25).
We cannot lose sight of the personal dimension of misery in its different forms, as well as the personal dimension of our response. It is clear that all this does not prevent an intervention on structures, processes and the major decisions. But, perhaps also at that level, our great contribution is genuinely to bring to the fore the personal dimension of every form of injustice and evil suffered by humanity.
The second dimension, on which the Word of God leads us to reflect this morning, is that of the Church continuing the work of Christ. This has a particular value also for us today. In his Encyclical Deus Caritas est , Benedict XVI underlined that the charitable organisations are an opus proprium of the Church, a fitting task for her. This clearly shows that the true subject of the service of charity is the Church herself. This is even more the case for Caritas . In the theological introduction to the decree of March 2012, with which the new statutes of the Confederation were approved, Caritas is defined as the privileged instrument of the Bishops in the exercise of the Church’s charitable activity. That being so, unlike the many commendable works born of the initiative of the lay faithful or religious, Caritas has a privileged relationship with the Hierarchy, from where it has its origin. Caritas does not exist, therefore, without a vital relationship with the Church.
This seems to me important in at least two ways. Firstly, that Caritas might grow and be welcomed within the Church, from the parish up to the international level. This helps make the whole Church more sensitive to the service of charity. In this sense, Caritas has a unique role in the community of the faithful, as a reminder of that dimension of service which is typical of every Christian life and community. What that means is that, within the Church, you have a role of witness and prophecy, to make the face of the Church ever more maternal and welcoming, so that she might live ever more fully her charitable nature. In this context, the word and example of Pope Francis are an incentive for all. The second way that this “belonging to the Church” is important is that no Caritas organisation can exist alongside the Church, considering her to be a mere partner, rather than the very subject of its activity.
Communion with the local Church is an intrinsic characteristic of Caritas , and no strategy or agreement with national or international sponsors can make us deviate from this profound communion, as it is a question of our very identity. On account of this very bond with the Church, which continues the work of Christ, it seems to me important to summarise this – the ecclesial dimension of Caritas – in terms of a double mission: (1) to make the face of Caritas more ecclesial, and (2) the face of the Church more charitable.
I would like to conclude with some thanks, which I hope will make their way to the very roots, to the countless workers who, in your name, bring relief to so many who suffer. I thank Caritas for its great witness. The Confederation is greatly appreciated, even in the secular sphere, precisely because it belongs to the Church, enabling it to intervene right up to the limits, in a direct and far-reaching manner. Thank you for being the direct witnesses to God’s love for humanity and his will to give fullness of life.
I also thank the Confederation for the collaboration shown these last years in applying the new norms approved by the Holy See. This collaboration has brought forth good fruits for the benefit of all, and I am sure that many more will blossom, because our strength is indeed ecclesial communion. Thus it is my wish that, also in the years to come, such collaboration with the Apostolic See might continue, in particular with the Secretariat of State, and with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum , which is the competent Dicastery in this regard. To this end I offer my best wishes to the new, freshly-elected, President of the Confederation, and to the other organs which will be elected in these days.
To Christ the Lord, of whom we are humble witnesses, and to his Virgin Mother, we desire to faithfully entrust our work, for the good of the Church and for the whole of humanity. Amen.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, meeting in the Vatican Saturday, expressed their hopes for a resumption of peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel and for “courageous decisions” for peace, with international support.
A Vatican statement described the talks as “cordial,” and said the two sides “expressed great satisfaction with the agreement reached on the text of a comprehensive agreement between the Parties concerning essential aspects of the life and activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine, which will be signed in the near future. ”
Mahmoud Abbas will attend Sunday’s canonization Mass for two Palestinian Blessed, for which he thanked Pope Francis.
Below, we publish a working translation of the Vatican statement:
Today, 16 May 2015, the Holy Father Francis received in audience Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.
President Abbas will attend tomorrow’s canonisation of the two Palestinian nuns, for which he thanked the Holy Father.
During the cordial discussions, great satisfaction was expressed for the accord reached on the text of a comprehensive Agreement between the Parties on various essential aspects of the life and the activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine, to be signed in the near future.
Attention then turned to the peace process with Israel, and the hope was expressed that direct negotiations between the Parties be resumed in order to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
To this end the wish was reiterated that, with the support of the international Community, Israelis and Palestinians may take with determination courageous decisions to promote peace. Finally, with reference to the conflicts that afflict the Middle East, and in reaffirming the importance of combating terrorism, the need for interreligious dialogue was underlined.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) A press briefing took place in the Marconi room of Vatican Radio on Friday, to present some further information on the canonizations to take place this Sunday, of Blessed Mariam of Jesus Crucified Baouardy and Bl. Marie-Alphonsine Ghattas. Please find the full text of the summary statement released by the organizers, below ************************************* New Hope for the sons and daughters of Palestine, Jordan and the Middle East: Pope Francis will announce next Sunday the canonization of four nuns. Two of them are Palestinians, namely Marie-Alphonsine, founder of Palestine’s first congregation, the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, and Mariam of Jesus Crucified Baouardy, the founder of Carmelite Convents in Bethlehem and India. Two other women religious, one French and one Italian, are also being canonized. The Pontifical Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican by His Holiness Pope Francis, in the presence of Cardinals and Archbishops from the Vatican and around the world. In attendance will be Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches; Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The participants in the Mass include a delegation from Holy Land: Jordan, Palestine and Israel, consisting of 2,124 people led by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, in his capacity as President of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, together with the Archbishop of Acre for the Melkites Georges Bacouni, the Maronite Archbishop of Haifa and the Holy Land, Moussa el-Hage, and bishops from Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Cyprus., They will be joined in fellowship by priests, religious men and women and faithful from various Churches. During the Mass, the Superior General of the Rosary Sisters Congregation, Mother Anyes Al Ya’qoub will carry the relics of the new Saint Alphonsine, accompanied by Sister Braxid Sweidan and relatives of the Jerusalemite saint, Nawal Daniel Mzayyid and Patrick Daniel. The relics of St. Mariam of Jesus Crucified Baouardy will be carried by Carmelite Sisters Anna Diplomas, Ferial Qarra’ and Jocelyn Ferro, together with the saint’s relative Mr. Rizeq Baouardy. Furthermore, Emile Munir Elias and his mother will be at the Mass, knowing that he had been healed through the intercession of St. Alphonsine. An Italian family will also hold the relics of St. Mariam as their son was healed through her intercession. Rosary Sister nun Mariam Ba’bish will also say a prayer in Arabic for peace and justice. Upon departure for the Vatican, Patriarch Twal said, “The declaration of the sainthood of the two nuns from Palestine is a spiritual event of prime importance for the citizens of the Holy Land, amid the difficulties we are experiencing, as the two saints enlighten our path. As the Holy Land, wrecked by violence and dissent, has for sometimes had a tarnished image, our two saints emerge to restore its sanctity, reminding us that sanctity is possible even in the most difficult circumstances.” The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said “The canonization of the two girls from the East during these dark times is an invitation from His Holiness Pope Francis to pray, knowing that only prayer can miraculously help save our faith in the midst of these times of trial.” He added, “Now, we have two new saints who represent a model of perfection for Christians, as well as for Muslims and Jews alike. They are both named Mary, and this name is widespread and commonly used among all three traditions. It is a sign of our modern time which suggests that we can talk about the three religions without any discrimination.” Having received the joyful news last February, the Holy Land gives thanks to the Almighty God for the blessing of canonization, especially for the community of believers in the land the Lord Jesus blessed through His presence. The Churches of the Holy Land convey heartfelt gratitude and thanks to His Holiness Pope Francis, who always states that “the Middle East without Christians, is not the Middle East. (Apostolic Exhortation)” We view this grand event, which takes place for the first time since the days of the Apostles, as a message of solidarity and encouragement to the Christians of the Holy Land, especially to the Christians and parishioners in all other Middle East countries, and to those who have been forcibly displaced and deported from their home countries, to all those who suffer from persecution, and whose persecutors sometimes think that by “killing they are offering a sacrifice to God,” as Jesus himself warned. The new saint, Mariam of Jesus Crucified, was during her life subjected to acts of extremism and suffered an attempt on her life in an attempt to force her to change her religion. She now intercedes for those who are being killed because of their religion and of their religious affiliation. Her life and intercession are a cry urging respect for religious and ethnic differences as well as acknowledging human beings as creatures who are made in the image and likeness of God. The new saint Marie-Alphonsine succeeded in gaining the support of the religious authorities to set up the first local Arab religious congregation, and placing the Arab world on the map in the fields of education and religious teaching. Furthermore, the rosary schools affiliated with this Arab religious congregation have a prominent and influential presence in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, the Gulf states and Rome. We realize that during the late 19th and early 20th century this religious congregation contributed to giving increasing the role of Arab in culture, social awareness, spiritual guidance, and education of generations of both men and women. Illiteracy has been eliminated in many parts of the Middle East as a direct result of the active contributions of nuns and church congregations to literacy education. The two saintly nuns, whose canonization coincides with the Church celebrations of the Year of Consecrated Life and the blessed Marian Month of May, pray that the Lord would bring peace and calmness to our hearts and minds, and that we will return to worshipping the Almighty God–Who alone is worthy of our worship and thankfulness. We view the consecration of the founder of the Rosary Sisters as an invitation to intensify the daily Rosary prayers in churches, houses, parish groups to bring peace, love and mutual respect among all the people of the Middle East. On the vigil of the canonization, there will be a vigil of prayer at 17h30 in the Basilica of Santa Sabina, Rome. On Monday 18th, H.B. Patriarch Twal will preside over the Mass of Thanksgiving at St Mary Major in Rome, and the Mass and songs will be in Arabic for the members of delegation coming from Holy Land. (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) On Friday (May 15th) Pope Francis received in audience at the Vatican Romania’s President Klaus Werner Iohannis during which they discussed bilateral relations and international issues. Romania’s Head of State also held talks with the Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
Please find below an English translation of a communique issued by the Holy See’s Press Office following the talks.
“On the morning of Friday 15 May, the Holy Father Francis received in audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the President of Romania, His Excellency Klaus Werner Iohannis, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions, which took place on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Romania on 15 May 1990, the parties focused on bilateral relations characterised by fruitful collaboration, as well as the relations between the State authorities and the local Catholic communities, and the good co-existence of minorities. Attention then turned to issues regarding various regions in the world.”
(from Vatican Radio)…