Francis welcomes the Sons of Charity and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel and recommends that the first group look to the cross and the wounds of the poor, as the founder Maddalena of Canossa did, and he recommends that the second group appreciate the diverse internationalism that characterizes the order. Consistency kills, harmony, the fruit of the spirit, creates
Vatican News
His Holiness Pope Francis met, this morning, Monday, April 29, in the Sala Clementina in the Vatican, the Canosian Sons of Charity and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, and addressed them on the occasion of the General Seasons and the anniversary of the birth of Christ. Its founders, respectively 250 years old, are Saint Magdalene of Canossa and 350 years old, Saint Louis Maria Grinon de Montfort. The Holy Father reread their experience in the light of the contemporary era, often characterized by “selfishness and privacy”: Diversity is precious gifts that must be shared, the Holy Father said.
General classes, free synodal events
For both religious orders, the Supreme Pontiff recalled the importance of the chapters which, quoting Blessed Beronio, are “family” events, but are also ecclesiastical and “salvation” events, true “synodal events” whose specificity he defined:
Moments of grace, the season is a moment of grace, which we must live, first, in obedience to the work of the Holy Spirit, in grateful remembrance of the past, paying attention to the present – listening to each other and reading the signs of the times – and looking with an open and confident heart towards the future, towards personal and societal fulfillment and renewal, That is, the past, present and future, they enter a chapter for remembering, evaluating and progressing in the development of the world. complex.
The Holy Father receives participants in the general classes of the Sons of Charity and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel (Vatican flags)
Clergy are not “firefighters.”
Francis acknowledged remorse, and did so in a joking tone to highlight his message, based on the theme chosen by the Canosians for their distinction: “He who does not burn does not burn.”
I feel sad when I see religious people who are more like firefighters than men and women who have a desire to start fires. Please don't be a firefighter. We already have a lot.
Look at the cross and open your arms to the little ones
Recalling that the Canosians are present in seven countries, with members from ten nationalities, and that they are assisted by the Canossian Sisters with an increasingly active and involved lay reality, the Pope urged them to look to the courage of the founder who worked “in a world no less difficult than ours”, in order to “make Jesus is known and loved, who is not loved because he is not known.”
Saint Magdalene showed them how to overcome difficulties: with their eyes turned to the Cross and their arms open to the little ones, the poor and the sick, to care for, teach and serve the brothers with joy and simplicity. When the road becomes difficult, do the same: look at the crucified Jesus and look at the eyes and wounds of the poor, and you will see that the answers, little by little, will enter your hearts with increasing clarity.
Use courage
In this chapter, a São Gabriel monk reflects on the theme of “Listen and Act Courageously.” At these words the Pope paused, emphasizing in particular the courage of which he was speaking: “This apostolic declaration.” It is the courage “that we read about, for example, in the Book of Acts of the Apostles. That courage. There is the Spirit that gives us that courage, and we must ask for it.
There are two attitudes – listening and courage – that require humility and faith, and they reflect well the spirit and work of Saint Louis Maria and Father Deshaies, who also left him a precious trilogy as a compass for his decisions: “Only God”. “The Cross” – engraved on the heart – and “Mary”. “God Alone,” the “Cross” engraved on the heart, and “Mary.”
Internationalism is good for mission
The Brotherhood of Saint Gabriel consists of more than a thousand monks, working in the field of pastoral care, advancement and human and social education – especially for the blind, deaf and mute – in 34 countries. Francis reiterated that it is the Holy Spirit who creates harmony because he is his “master.” The Pope insisted: “Loneliness in the religious institute, in the diocese, in a group of laity, kills!” Diversity in harmony makes people grow. do not forget it. Diversity in harmony.” Hence the call to be prophets of welcome and integration:
Providence has also given you the richness of a diverse internationalism: it will greatly benefit your growth and your mission, if you know how to live it by welcoming diversity and sharing it in a constructive way, among yourselves and with everyone.
The Holy Father receives participants in the general classes of the Sons of Charity and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel (Vatican flags)
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