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L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO
WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH
Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt
Fifty-first year, number 38 (2564) Vatican City Friday, 21 September 2018

Pope Francis
in Sicily
In the sign of a priest
GIOVANNI MARIA VIAN
A priest figures in the background of
the papal journey to Sicily; a priest,
Fr Pino Puglisi, well known in Italy,
apart from churchgoers. He is known
by many for his tragic end, assassin-
ated at the hands of the mafia and
declared a Blessed and a Martyr be-
cause he was killed “in hatred of the
faith”. As, in fact, Pope Bergoglio
confirmed in the wake of his Prede-
cessors, in his homily in Palermo,
when he stated that members of the
mafia “do not live as Christians”, but
instead “blaspheme with their life the
name of God-Love”. Condemning the
mafia and the mafia mentality, the
Pope invoked “brothers” and “sisters”
in the mafia to change, to convert.
The year before Fr Puglisi’s assas-
sination, 22-year-old Rosaria Costa
had tearfully implored, “be Christians
again”, at the funeral of her husband
Vito Schifani, a police officer who
was killed in the terrible ambush at
Capaci that had also killed Giovanni
Falcone, his wife and security detail.
“Convert to the true God of Jesus
Christ, dear brothers and sisters! I say
to you, mafiosi: if you do not do this,
your own life will be lost and it will
be the worst of defeats”, the Pope
warned in Palermo on Sunday, 17
September, reminding many of the
young widow’s heartrending cry.
The scenario evoked by Francis is
radical, because one must “choose:
love or selfishness”, which means
money, power, pleasure. And “today
we are called to choose which side to
stand on: to live for ourselves or to
give life” — as Puglisi did, the Pope
said. “Twenty-five years ago as today,
when he died on his birthday, he
crowned his victory with a smile, with
that smile that did not let his killer
sleep at night”. His killer said: “there
was a kind of light in that smile”. Fr
Pino was defenceless, “but his smile
transmitted the power of God: not a
blinding glare, but a gentle light that
delves in and enlightens the heart”,
the Pope recalled. Only in this way
can one overcome evil. “Fr Pino
taught it: he was not ostentatious; he
did not live by making anti-mafia ap-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

AP/Photo
page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 21 September 2018, number 38

H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema

VATICAN Mbasogo, President of the Republic.

On 8 June, Archbishop José Avelino
Bettencourt, titular Archbishop of

BULLETIN The Holy Father accepted the resig-

nation of Archbishop Lorenzo
Voltolini of Portoviejo, Ecuador (14
Cittanova, began his mission as
Apostolic Nuncio in Georgia with
the presentation of his Letters of
Credence to H.E. Mr Giorgi Mar-
Sept.).
AUDIENCES Monday, 17 September gvelashvili, President of Georgia.
The Holy Father accepted the resig-
H.E. Mr Ilir Meta, President of the On 11 July, Archbishop José Avelino
Thursday, 13 September nation of Bishop William Enrique
Republic of Albania, with his wife Bettencourt, titular Archbishop of
Delgado Silva of Cabimas, Vene- Cittanova, began his mission as
H.E. Mr Marek Lisánsky, Ambas- and entourage zuela (14 Sept.). Apostolic Nuncio in Armenia with
sador of the Slovak Republic, for Archbishop José Antonio Eguren The Holy Father appointed Bishop the presentation of his Letters of
the presentation of his Letters of Anselmi, SCV, of Piura, Peru Ángel Francisco Caraballo Fermín, Credence to H.E. Mr Armen
Credence
H.E. Mr William Lacy Swing, Dir- Auxiliary Bishop of Maracaibo, Sarkissian, President of Armenia.
Archbishop Paul Fitzpatrick Russell, ector General of the International Venezuela as Apostolic Administrat-
titular Archbishop of Novi, Apostol- Organization for Migration or sede vacante of Cabimas (14
ic Nuncio in Turkey, in Turk- NECROLO GY
Sept.).
menistan and in Azerbaijan H.E. Mr Octavio Errázuriz Guil-
isasti, Ambassador of Chile, for the The Holy Father accepted the resig- Bishop Sydney Anicetus Charles, OP,
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Arch- presentation of his Letters of Cre- nation of Bishop Stanislav Lipovšek Bishop emeritus of Saint George’s in
bishop of Galveston-Houston, Pres- dence of Celje, Slovenia (18 Sept.). Grenada, West Indies, at age 92 (4
ident of the United States’ Confer- Sept.)
ence of Catholic Bishops, with Arch- Bishop Benedict Singh, Bishop
bishop José Horacio Gómez of Los CHANGES IN EPISCOPATE START OF MISSION
emeritus of Georgetown, Guyana,
Angeles, Vice-President; Cardinal South America, at age 90 (12 Sept.)
Sean Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., The Holy Father accepted the resig- On 1 June, Archbishop Julio Murat,
Archbishop of Boston, President of nation of Bishop José Ronaldo titular Archbishop of Orange, began Archbishop Emmanuel Dabbaghian,
the Pontifical Commission for the Ribeiro of Formosa, Brazil (12 his mission as Apostolic Nuncio in ICPB, Archbishop emeritus of Bagh-
Protection of Minors and Msgr Bri- Sept.). Equatorial Guinea with the presenta- dad for Armenian Catholics, at age
an Bransfield, General Secretary tion of his Letters of Credence to 84 (13 Sept.)
The Holy Father appointed Arch-
Friday, 14 September bishop Paulo Mendes Peixoto of
Uberaba as Apostolic Administrator
H.E. Mr Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Pres- sede vacante of Formosa (12 Sept.).
ident of the Republic of Mozam-
bique, with his wife and entourage The Holy Father accepted the resig-
nation of Bishop Michael J. Brans-
Ambassador of the Slovak Republic
Archbishop Petar Rajič, titular Arch- field of Wheeling-Charleston, USA On Thursday morning, 13 September, the Pontiff received in audience
bishop of Sarsenterum, Apostolic (13 Sept.).
Nuncio in Angola and in São Tomé H.E. Mr Marek Lisánsky, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, for the
The Holy Father appointed Arch- presentation of the Letters by which he is accredited to the Holy See.
and Príncipe
bishop William Edward Lori of Bal-
Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, tit- timore, USA as Apostolic Adminis-
ular Archbishop of Tagaria, Apostol- trator sede vacante of Wheeling- H.E. Mr Marek Lisánsky, 41, is
ic Nuncio in Honduras Charleston (13 Sept.). married with three children. He
holds a doctorate in law and a
certificate in European Studies.
He has held the following posi-
tions: secretary of the Slovak-
Hungarian Intergovernmental
Ambassador of Chile Committee for Minorities at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),
On Monday morning, 17 September, the Pontiff received in audience H.E. Department for Human Rights
Mr Octavio Errázuriz Guilisasti, Ambassador of Chile, for the presentation (1999-2002); secretary general at
the Consulate General in Poland
of the Letters by which he is accredited to the Holy See.
(2002-2006); deputy director of
the Human Rights Department of the MFA and deputy head of the
H.E. Mr Octavio Errázuriz Guilisasti, Interministerial Coordination Committee of the Presidency in the
76, is married and has two daugh- Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the Organiz-
ters. He holds a law degree and a ing Committee of the MFA for the Presidency of the Slovak Repub-
Master’s. He has held the following lic in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (2006-
positions: diplomatic official at the 2007); Director General of the Government Section for Human
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Rights and Minorities, Secretary of the Government Council for
(1964-1969); official at the embassy Minority Peoples and Ethnic Groups, and for non-governmental
in the United States of America non-profit organizations, Counsellor at the Committee for Foreign
(1969-1973); official at the Permanent Affairs of the National Council, and government representative at
Mission to the United Nations in the Council for the Rehabilitation of Holocaust Victims (2007-
New York and official at the MFA 2009); representative of the Slovak Republic on the Management
(1976-1981); official at the embassy in Committee of the Monument in the Nazi Extermination Camp of
the United States of America (1981- Sobibór (2008-2014); Consul General in Poland (2009-2014); secret-
1985). He has also served as Ambassador to: Ecuador (1985-1989); the ary general at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, De-
United States of America (1989-1990); Malaysia (1994-1997); China partment of Analysis and Planning (2014); Director General of the
(1997-2001); as Director for Bilateral Relations and Director General of Section for Defence Policy at the Ministry of Defence (2014-2015);
Foreign policy (2001-2010); and as Ambassador to the Permanent Mis- adviser to the President of the National Council in the sixth and
sion at the United Nations in New York (2010-2014). seventh electoral period for foreign policy (2015 to the present).

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number 38, Friday, 21 September 2018 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

Goodness is loving and

never imposes itself.
It is a choice.
The Holy Father with
(@Pontifex) members of the Congregation
of the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary and of
Perpetual Adoration of the
Most Blessed Sacrament of
the Altar

Recognizing those who gave us life

The Pope recalls the duty to honour parents

“Achieving a full and happy life depends on the proper recognition of those where every act is a mission re- This 22 September, in Neampt,
who have brought us into the world”. These were Pope Francis’ words at the ceived from him. Romania, Veronica Antal will be
General Audience in Saint Peter’s Square on Wednesday, 19 September. Our wounds begin to be beatified. This faithful laywoman
Continuing a series of catecheses on the Decalogue, the Pontiff focused on the strengths when we discover by of the Secular Franciscan Order
Commandment to honour our father and mother. The following is a grace that the true enigma is no was killed ‘in odium fidei’ in 1958.
translation of the Holy Father’s catechesis, which he gave in Italian. longer ‘why?’ but ‘for whom?’; for Let us thank God for this cour-
whom did this happen to me? In ageous woman who, in giving up
view of what result did God her own life, bore witness to true
Dear Brothers and Sisters, But the fourth Commandment mould me throughout my history?
Good morning! tells us even more. It does not love for God and for brothers and
Here everything is overturned; sisters.
speak of parents’ goodness; it everything becomes precious;
On the journey within the Ten
does not ask that fathers and everything becomes constructive. I offer a special thought to
Words, today we come to the
mothers be perfect. It speaks How can my even sad and painful young people, to the elderly, to the
Commandment on the father and
about an act of the child, apart experience become, in the light of sick and to newlyweds. From
mother. It speaks of the honour
from the merits of the parents, love, a source of salvation for oth- whatever background you come, I
owed to parents. What is this
and says something extraordinary ers — for whom? So we can begin exhort you, dear ones, to always
‘honour’? The Hebrew term indic-
and liberating: even if not all par- to honour our parents with the be courageously oriented toward
ates glory, value, literally ‘import- ents are good and not every child- freedom of adult children and Christ. Indeed, only in him is the
ance’, consistent with reality. It is hood serene, all children can be with merciful acceptance of their true Father, who invites us to be
not a question of external forms happy, because achieving a full limitations.1 ‘born anew’ from above, made
but of truth. To honour God, in and happy life depends on the
the Scriptures, means recognizing Honour parents: they gave us manifest. Thank you!
proper recognition of those who life! If you are distant from your
his reality, acknowledging his pres- have brought us into the world. 1
parents, make an effort and re- Cf. Saint Augustine, Sermon on
ence; this is also expressed with
Let us think about how this turn, go back to them; perhaps Matthew, 72, A, 4: “Thus Christ
rites, but above all it means giving
Word can be constructive for they are elderly.... They gave you teaches you to reject your parents,
God his proper place in life. life. Then, there is a habit among
Thus, honouring our father and many young people who come and at the same time to love
from stories of pain and for all us to say bad things, even to them. Thus, parents are loved sys-
mother also means recognizing curse.... Please, never, never ever
their importance with practical ac- those who have suffered in their tematically and with the spirit of
own youth. Many saints — and insult other people’s parents. Nev- faith when they are not preferred
tions, which express dedication, er! One should never insult a
countless Christians — after a over God: ‘one who loves’ — these
affection and care. But it is more mother, never insult a father. Nev-
painful childhood, have lived a lu- are the words of the Lord — ‘his
than this. er! Never! Take this interior de-
minous life, because, thanks to father and mother more than me
The Fourth Word has a particu- Jesus Christ, they became recon- cision yourselves: from now on I
will never insult anyone’s mother is not worthy of me’. With these
lar characteristic: it is the Com- ciled with life. Let us consider
or father. They gave life! They words he almost seems to admon-
mandment that contains a result. that young man — blessed now
In fact, it says: “Honour your must never be insulted. ish you not to love them; but in-
and next month a saint — Sulpriz- stead, on the contrary, he is ad-
father and your mother, as the io, who at 19 years of age ended This wonderful life is offered to
Lord your God commanded you; us, not imposed: reborn in Christ monishing you to love them. In
his life reconciled, despite much fact he could have said: ‘one who
that your days may be prolonged, suffering, with many issues, be- is a grace to be freely accepted (cf.
and that it may go well with you, in Jn 1:11-13), and it is the treasure of loves his father or mother is not
cause his heart was at peace and
the land which the Lord your God our Baptism, in which, by the worthy of me’. But he did not say
he never denied his parents. Let
gives you” (Dt 5:16). Honouring work of the Holy Spirit, we have this, so as not to speak against the
us think of Saint Camillus de Lel-
our parents leads to a long and only one Father, the one in heaven law given by him, since it was He
lis, who from a disorderly child-
happy life. The word ‘well’ in the (cf. Mt 23:9; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:6). who, through his servant Moses,
hood built a life of love and of Thank you!
Decalogue appears only linked to service; of Saint Josephine gave the law in which it is written:
the relationship with parents. Bakhita, who grew up in terrible ‘Honour your father and your
This pluri-millenial wisdom de- slavery; or of Blessed Carlo Gnoc- mother’. He did not promulgate a
SPECIAL GREETINGS
clares what human sciences have chi, orphaned and poor; and of contrary law but confirmed it;
Saint John Paul II himself, marked I greet the English-speaking pil- then, he taught you the order; he
been able to establish for just a
by the loss of his mother at a grims and visitors taking part in did not eliminate the duty of love
little more than a century: that the
tender age. today’s Audience, especially those owed to parents: one who loves
influence of childhood marks our from England, Scotland, Den-
entire life. It can often be easy to People, from whatever back- his father and mother, but more
mark, Norway, Kenya, South than me. Therefore, one must love
understand if someone has grown ground they come, receive from Africa, Tanzania, Australia, In-
up in a healthy and balanced en- this Commandment the direction them, but not more than me: God
donesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
vironment. But likewise to under- that leads to Christ: indeed, mani- Canada and the United States of is God, man is man. Love your
stand if a person has experienced fest in him is the true Father, who America. I thank the choirs from parents, obey your parents, hon-
neglect or violence. Our child- invites us to be ‘born anew’ from Indonesia and Australia for their our you parents; but if God calls
hood is a bit like indelible ink; it above (cf. Jn 3:3-8). The enigma of praise of God in song. Upon all you to a more important mission,
is evident in tastes, in ways of be- our lives is illuminated when we of you, and your families, I invoke in which affection for your parents
ing, even if some try to hide the discover that God has always pre- the Lord’s blessings of joy and could be an impediment, respect
wounds of their own origins. pared for us a life as his children, peace. God bless you! the order, do not suppress charity”.
page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 21 September 2018, number 38

With the style of ‘minority’

In audience with the General Chapter of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin

In an audience in the Clementine Hall on Friday morning, 14 September, the

Holy Father encouraged those attending the General Chapter of the Friars Minor
Capuchin to “realize with tangible daily gestures the ‘minority’ that characterizes
Francis’ followers”. The following is a translation of the discourse written in
Italian and consigned to the Father General, as the Pontiff set aside those
remarks to address the group extemporaneously.

Dear Friars Minor Capuchin! gelization. You do so in generously

bringing the apostolate forward, in
I am pleased about this encounter,
direct contact with different peoples
which allows me to greet you per-
and cultures, especially with many
sonally on the occasion of your
General Chapter. I thank the new who are poor and suffering. I en-
General Minister, Br Roberto Genu- courage you in this effort, which in
in, expressing wishes for good work the Chapter you have shared at the
to him and his Council. In these international level, exhorting you
days of study and fraternal discus- not to lose heart in the face of diffi-
culties, including the decrease in the which consecrated people commit To General Chapter
sion, you have set your attention on themselves to bear clear witness. In
the theme “Learn from me ... and you number of friars in certain areas, but
will find” (cf. Mt 11:29), in order to to renew each day your trust and
hope in the support of God’s grace.
this perspective, even the transpar-
ent and professional management of Friars of the
identify apostolic and formative per-
spectives to offer to your confreres May the joy of the Gospel, which ir-
resistibly fascinated the Poverello of
economic resources is the image of a
true family that walks in co-respon- people
spread throughout the world. In- sibility and solidarity among its
deed, in addition to the election of Assisi, be the source of your
strength and your steadfastness, so members and with the poor. Anoth-
the new government of your Fra- er important aspect of the life of The following is a translation of the
ternity, you have dedicated ample that with reference to the Word of off-the-cuff remarks that Pope
Jesus everything appears under a your communities is unity and com-
space to the Ratio Formationis Or- munity, which are achieved by ded- Francis delivered in Italian, in lieu
dinis, an important document to new light, that of God’s providential of his prepared speech, to members
icating ample space to listening and
guide the consecrated person in the love. Each time we draw from the of the Order of the Friars Minor
dialogue in order to strengthen
heart of the Gospel, which is Jesus’ wellspring to recover the original Capuchin, whom he received in
fraternal discernment.
form of life spent totally for God freshness of the Gospel, new paths audience on Friday morning, 14
appear, new pastoral approaches The history of your Order is rich
and for brothers and sisters, espe- September.
and creative methods relevant to with many courageous witnesses to
cially the least and the marginalized.
current circumstances. Christ and to the Gospel, many of There is a prepared speech here,
In the footsteps of the Divine whom have been proclaimed Saints but it is too formal to share with
Master and following the example Our time shows the signs of clear
and Blesseds. Their holiness con- you Capuchins; it will be con-
of Saint Francis who, in meeting spiritual and moral discomfort, due
firms the fruitfulness of your char- signed to the Father General....
lepers, learned humility and service, to the loss of certain and comforting
ism and shows the signs of your Here it is, this is the official one.
strive to live relationships and reli- references of faith. What great need
identity: total consecration to God But I prefer to speak to you this
gious activities in gratuity, humility people have today to be welcomed,
unto martyrdom, where required, a way, from the heart. I wish you
and weakness. In this way you can listened to, illuminated with love! simple life among the people, sensi-
realize with tangible daily gestures And what great tradition you [turning to the newly elected
tivity to the poor, spiritual accom- General Minister, Br Roberto
the ‘minority’ that characterizes Capuchins have of simple closeness paniment as closeness, and the hu-
Francis’ followers. It is a precious to people, of participating in con- Genuin] the best: you are the
mility that allows for welcoming fourth General I have met. First I
gift of great necessity for the crete issues, of spiritual meeting and everyone. In following your quintes-
Church and for the humanity of our of administering the Sacrament of met Flavio Carraro, with whom
sential way of life, may you walk we were associates in the 1994
time. This is how the Lord acts: he Reconciliation! Do not fail to be animated by renewed zeal so as to
does things simply. Humility and teachers of prayer, to cultivate ro- Synod; then, John Corriveau,
impel you, with prophetic freedom who robbed us of a good
simplicity are God’s ways; and this bust spirituality, which communic- and wise discernment, on cour-
is the way that we Christians are all ates to all the call of the ‘things in Capuchin in Argentina to make
ageous apostolic paths and mission- him a counsellor, but then I vin-
called to assume in our life and in heaven’. ary frontiers, always cultivating co-
our mission. True greatness is mak- dicated myself and he was made
In this you will be more persua- operation with the Bishops and oth-
ing ourselves small and servants. bishop [laughter]. Then Mauro
sive if your communities and your er members of the ecclesial Com-
structures also express sobriety and [Jöhri], who, as a good Swiss,
With this minority in heart and in munity.
lifestyle, you give your contribution parsimony, the visible sign of the brought things forward with
to the Church’s great task of evan- primacy of God and of his Spirit to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
good sense — good sense —, with a
sense of concreteness, of reality;
and, as with all those who are
able to speak languages but also
dialects, he is one who gets into
the details of life. And now you,
the fourth. I wish you the best
[to him and to the new counsel-
lors].
This morning I was thinking
about you. There is a word you
said in your discourse: first of all
Capuchins are “friars of the
people”: it is one of your traits.
Closeness to the people. Being
neighbours to the People of God,
neighbours. And closeness gives
us that science of concreteness,
that wisdom — it is more than a
science: it is wisdom. Closeness to
everyone, but above all to the
smallest, the most discarded, the
most desperate. And also to those
who have distanced themselves. I
think of Fra Christopher [in “The
Betrothed”], of ‘your’ Fra Chris-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
number 38, Friday, 21 September 2018 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5

The Pontiff emphasizes the plight of refugees in Syria and Iraq

We cannot close our eyes

On Friday, 14 September, Pope Francis met with participants in the Sixth ated. In cooperation with the Sis- among whom are those represen-
Meeting of Catholic Charitable Organizations working in Iraq, Syria and ter Churches, the Holy Church is ted here.
neighbouring countries. In his remarks to the group, who had gathered in the working diligently to ensure a fu-
Consistory Hall, he called them to be “instruments of peace and light”, so as ture for these Christian communit- Let us make the Prayer our
to ensure a future to the Christian communities suffering from the conflicts in ies. own: “Lord, make me an instru-
those regions. The following is the English text of the Holy Father’s address. ment of your peace […]. Where
The whole Church looks to
these brothers and sisters in the there is darkness, let me bring

Dear Brothers and Sisters, For too many years the conflicts faith and encourages them
Good morning! of bloodshed in that region, and through closeness in prayer and
the situation of peoples in Syria, concrete charity not to give in to
I greet all of you warmly and Iraq and neighbouring countries, the darkness of violence and to
thank you for taking part in this have continued to cause great con- keep alive the light of hope. The
sixth meeting for coordinating the cern. Every day, in prayer, I bring witness of love with which the
Church’s response to the crisis in before the Lord the suffering and Church listens and responds to
Iraq, Syria and neighbouring needs of the Churches and the the cry for help from all, starting
countries, a meeting which this peoples of these beloved lands, as with the weakest and poorest, is a
year includes also the Section for too the needs of those seeking to source of light in the present and
Migrants and Refugees. provide help. And this is true: a seed of hope that will bear fruit
every day. in the future.
I thank particularly Cardinal
Peter Turkson and the Dicastery With this third study regarding This particularly fine Christian
for Promoting Integral Human humanitarian aid provided by ec- project reminds me of some pas-
Development who have organized clesial groups, you are offering an sages from the prayer attributed to
this meeting, in conjunction with important contribution to better Saint Francis of Assisi: “Where
the Secretariat of State and the understand the needs of these there is hatred, let me bring
Congregation for the Oriental populations and to coordinate aid love… Where there is despair, let
Churches. I am grateful also to to them. me bring hope. Where there is
Mr Filippo Grandi, United Na- As I have recalled on several oc- sadness, let me bring joy”.
tions High Commissioner for casions, there is the real risk that Among the many praiseworthy
Refugees, for his presence and his the Christian presence may disap- initiatives you promote, it is im-
work helping refugees. Thank you pear in the very land from which portant this year to mention the
very much! the light of the Gospel first eman- great project of supporting the re-
turn of Christian communities to
the Nineveh Plain in Iraq, in a
special way through the Open
Hospitals project.
Friars of the people Dear brothers and sisters, by light”. Being instruments of peace
God’s grace let us look together and light: this is what I wish for
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 ance. You are men of reconcili- to the future. I encourage you, each of you. From the depths of
ation. I remember your church who work in the name of the my heart: thank you for
topher. Closeness: I would like in Buenos Aires: so many Church, to continue to provide for everything you are doing each day,
this word to stay with you, as a people, from all over the city, the education of children, employ- together with so many other men
programme. Closeness to the would go to make confession ment for young people, closeness and women of good will. Thank
people. Because the people have there. Because these men listen to the elderly and those who are you, thank you! May the Lord
great respect for the Franciscan to you, smile at you, do not ask psychologically wounded; without bless you and may Our Lady ac-
habit. Cardinal Quarracino once you things, and forgive you. forgetting the wounds of the company you.
told me that, in Argentina, at This does not mean being ‘over- heart, which the Church is called
times some ‘anti-clericals’ would indulgent’, no. This is the wis- to heal: “Where there is offence,
say a swear word to a priest, but let me bring pardon. Where there
dom of reconciliation. Preserve
a Franciscan habit was never, is discord, let me bring harmony”.
the apostolate of confession, of
ever insulted, because it is a
grace. And you Capuchins have forgiveness: it is one of the most Finally, and forcefully, I ask the With the style of
beautiful things you have, to re- international community not to
this closeness: preserve it. Al-
ways be close to the people. Be- concile people. Both in the sac- neglect the many needs of the vic-
tims of this crisis, and above all to
‘minority’
cause you are friars of the rament and in families: recon-
cile, reconcile. It requires pa- set aside special interests in order CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
people.
tience for this, not words, few to be at the service of peace, and
Recently, in [Dublin,] Ireland, to bring an end to war. Your charismatic identity, enriched by
I saw your work with the most words, but closeness and pa-
tience. We cannot close our eyes to the the cultural variety of your religious
discarded and I was moved. It Family, is valid now more than ever,
is a beautiful thing that the Su- Then, another thing that I reasons that have forced millions
of people to leave — painfully — and is an attractive proposal for many
perior of that house said, the have seen in your life: simple young people in the world, who are in
elderly founder. He said: “Here prayer. You are men of prayer, their home countries. At the same
time, I encourage all parties in- search of authenticity and the essential.
we do not ask where you come but simple. A face-to-face prayer May fraternity shine as a qualifying ele-
from, who you are: you are a with the Lord, with Our Lady, volved, and the international com-
munity, to renew their commit- ment of your consecrated life, distan-
child of God”. This is one of with the Saints.... Preserve this
ment to ensuring the safe return cing from you every elitist attitude, ur-
the traits. To really understand simplicity in prayer. Pray a lot,
of displaced persons to their ging you to always seek encounter
the persons, by ‘smell’, uncondi- but with this simplicity. Men of
homes. Ensuring their protection among yourselves and with everyone,
tionally. Come in, then we will peace, of simple prayer, men of
and their future is a demand im- especially with those thirsty for the mer-
see. Closeness is your charism. the people, men of reconcili-
posed by civilized behaviour. It ciful love that only Christ can offer us.
Preserve it. Then, another thing ation. This is how the Church
typical of Capuchins: you are will be through drying the tears of May the Lord fill you with his graces
wants you to be: preserve this. children who have seen nothing and, in the spirit of Saint Francis, may
men capable of resolving con- And with that freedom and sim-
flicts, of making peace, with but ruins, death and destruction you continue, happy and secure, always
plicity that is precisely your cha- that the world will recover its dig- in the grateful awareness of belonging
that wisdom that comes pre-
rism. nity (cf. Address at the Conclusion to the holy faithful People of God and
cisely from closeness; and above
all to make peace in con- I thank you for all that you of the Dialogue, Bari, 7 July 2018). to serve Him with humility. May the
sciences. That ‘here we do not do for the Church. I thank you In this regard, I reiterate my ap- Apostolic Blessing, which I whole-
ask, we listen’, that I said of very much. Continue this way. preciation for the great efforts un- heartedly impart to you, Chapter Fath-
that Irish Capuchin, you exer- Continue this way, ‘alla cap- dertaken on behalf of refugees by ers, and to your entire Order, accom-
cise a great deal in the Sacra- puccina’ [‘Capuchin style’].... various countries of the region pany you. And please, do not forget to
ment of Confession and Pen- [laughter] Thank you! and by a variety of organizations, pray for me. Thank you!
number 38, Friday, 21 September 2018 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 6/7

Puglisi at the seminary with his

mother Giuseppa and father Carmelo

The Pope’s homily in Palermo

The word ‘hate’ should be erased

On the esplanade of the ‘Foro Italico’ it. According to Him, those who live not free man; they enslave him. You Fr Pino, yes him, he knew that he What can I do for others, for the
in Palermo, the Pope celebrated Mass for themselves do not lose just see, God does not exercise power to was taking a risk, but he knew above Church, for society? Do not wait for
on Saturday morning, 15 September, for something, but their whole life; resolve our ills and those of the all that the true danger in life lies not the Church to do something for you:

‘One cannot believe in God the liturgical memorial of Fr Pino

Puglisi, the Sicilian priest who was
assassinated by the mafia in 1993. The
whereas those who give of themselves
find the meaning of life and win.
world. His way is always that of
humble love: only love that is free
within gives peace and joy. There-
in taking risks, but in getting by
amid comforts, ploys and shortcuts.
May God free us from contrivance,
you can start. Do not wait for society
to do it: you can begin! Do not think
about yourself; do not shirk your re-
Thus there is a choice to be made:
and be mafioso’ following is a translation of Pope
Francis’ homily, which he delivered in
love or selfishness. The egoist thinks
about pampering his own life and is
fore, true power, power according to
God, is service. Jesus says so. And
being content with half truths. Half
truths do not satisfy the heart; they
sponsibilities; choose love! Feel the
pulse of your people in need; listen
Italian. attached to things, to money, to the strongest voice is not that of do not do good. May God free us to your people. Fear the deafness of
power, to pleasure. So the devil finds those who shout the loudest. The from a petty life, which revolves not listening to your people. This is
If we “wish to be concrete in our Jesus Christ, dear brothers and sis- Today God speaks to us of victory around ‘small things’. May he free us
the door open. The devil ‘enters strongest voice is prayer. And the the only populism possible: listen to
faith”, “we must learn to recognize the ters”. The Pope’s words were interrup- and defeat. In his First Letter, Saint from thinking that everything is fine
through the pocket’ if you are at- greatest success is not one’s own your people, the only “Christian
wounds of the Lord” in the suffering ted several times by the enthusiastic John presents faith as “the victory if it is fine for me, and the other can
tached to money. The devil makes fame, like a peacock, no. The populism”: listen and serve the
of people, Pope Francis told the many applause of the 100,000-strong crowd. that overcomes the world” (1 Jn 5:4), fend for himself. May he free us from
one believe that everything is fine greatest glory, the greatest success is people, without shouting, accusing
faithful gathered in Piazza Armerina’s After Mass, Pope Francis visited while the Gospel quotes Jesus’ but in reality the heart is anaesthet- thinking we are just if we do nothing
Europa Square in central Sicily on words: “he who loves his life loses one’s own witness. and causing disputes.
the Hope and Charity Mission which ized by selfishness. Selfishness is a to hinder injustice. One who does
Saturday morning, 15 September. He houses 700 migrants, where he shared sign of a life consecrated to the Lord, it” (Jn 12:25). Dear brothers and sisters, today we This is what Fr Pino did; he was
one that seeks neither consolation nor very powerful anaesthetic. This path nothing to hinder injustice is not an
made this observation during the first lunch with Mission guests and a rep- This is the defeat: the one who are called to choose which side to poor among the poor of his land. In
glory from the world”. “Ours, dear always ends badly: in the end one is upright man or woman. May he free
event of his one-day pastoral visit to resentation of detainees and immig- loves his life loses. Why? Certainly take: to live for ourselves — with a his room the chair where he studied
priests, is not a career, but a gift of alone, with emptiness inside. The us from thinking we are good just
the island to mark the 25th an- rants. Lunch was followed by a not because one should detest life: egoist’s end is sad: empty, lonely, sur- closed hand [he gestures] — or to give because we do no evil. ‘It is good’ — was broken. But the chair was not
niversary of the martyrdom of Blessed self; it is not a job, but a mission. life — with an open hand [he ges- the centre of his life, because he did
private visit to the parish of San life is to be loved and defended; it is rounded only by those who expect to one saint said — ‘to do no evil. But it
Fr Pino Puglisi at the hands of the Each day, with no holidays, with no tures]. not sit down to rest, but lived on the
Gaetano in the Brancaccio neighbour- God’s first gift! What leads to defeat inherit. It is like the grain of wheat is evil to do no good’ [Saint Alberto
mafia. Many wounds afflict the local rest”, he stressed. “This”, said Pope move in order to love. This is the
hood, and to Fr Puglisi’s house, Francis, “is how Fr Pino lived”. is loving one’s own life, that is, self in the Gospel: if one remains closed Only by giving one’s life is evil Hurtado]. Lord, give us the desire to
territory, including social and cultural where the priest was killed on his love. Those who live for themselves within himself, he remains alone in overcome. A high price, but only in do good; to seek the truth and detest winning mentality. This is the victory
under-development, exploitation of The final event of the Holy Father’s of faith, that is born from the daily
doorstep. The Holy Father prayed si- one-day visit was with young people lose; they are selfish, as we say. It the soil. If instead he opens himself this way [is evil overcome]. Fr Pino falsehood; to choose sacrifice, not
workers, lack of dignified employment lently there and laid some flowers in would seem the opposite. Those who and dies, he bears fruit above taught it: he was not ostentatious; he laziness; love, not hate; forgiveness, gift of self. This is the victory of
for young people, migration, usury in Politeama Square. Blessing the
honour of the slain priest. live for themselves, those who mul- ground. did not live by making anti-mafia ap- not revenge. faith, which brings the smile of God
and addiction. Pope Francis sugges- thousands present, he prayed that
In the afternoon, Pope Francis vis- tiply ill-gotten gains, who are suc- peals; nor was he content to do no to the streets of the world. This is
ted touching these forms of suffering God would “bless the seed of restless- But you might tell me: giving one- Life is to be given to others; life is
ited Palermo’s Cathedral, where Fr cessful, who fully satisfy their own self, living for God and for others is harm; but rather, he sowed good, so the victory of faith, which is born
just as if they were the wounds of Je- ness that is in your heart”. The Holy to be given to others, it is not taken.
Puglisi is buried, and addressed the Father then headed to the airport needs, seem to be winners in the a great effort for nothing, this is not much good. His seemed to be a los- from the scandal of martyrdom.
sus. “For us Christians, this means One cannot believe in God and hate
clergy, men and women religious and where he bid farewell and thanked au- eyes of the world. Advertisements the way the world turns: to advance, ing logic, while the logic of the “Greater love has no man than this,
taking on the history and the flesh of a brother, take a life with hate. The
seminarians. Holding Fr Puglisi up as thorities before boarding his return pummel us with this idea — the idea grains of wheat are not useful, money pocketbook seemed to win. But Fr that a man lay down his life for his
Christ as places of salvation and liber- first reading recalls it: “If any one
an example, Francis described the flight to Rome, where he landed at of self-realization, of selfishness —, and power are useful. But it is a Pino was right: the logic of the says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his friends” (Jn 15:13). These words of Je-
ation”. Earlier that morning, the Pope sus, engraved on the tomb of Fr
priest’s simple life as “an eloquent 7:20 PM. even Jesus disagrees and overturns great illusion: money and power do money-god is always a losing one. brother, he is a liar” (1 Jn 4:20). A li-
had travelled by helicopter from Puglisi, remind everyone that giving
Catania Fontanarossa Airport, where Let us look inside ourselves. Having ar because he belies the faith he
always leads to wanting: I have one claims to have, the faith that pro- his life was the secret of his victory
his flight from Rome had landed, to the secret of a beautiful life. Today,
Piazza Armerina, where he was thing and straight away I want an- fesses God-love. God-love repudiates
other, and then another, and ever all violence and loves all people. dear brothers and sisters, let us too
greeted by Bishop Rosario Gisana choose a beautiful life. So be it.
and local authorities. more, endlessly. The more you have This is why the word ‘hate’ should
After stopping to greet the faithful, the more you want: it is a bad addic- be erased from Christian life; this is
the Holy Father went by helicopter to tion. It is drug dependency. It is like why one cannot believe in God and
Palermo, where he was welcomed by a drug. Those who overindulge ex- oppress a brother or sister. One can-
not believe in God and be a mafioso.
the city’s local authorities and by
Archbishop Corrado Lorefice. Thou-
plode. Instead, those who love find
themselves and discover how beauti- Those who are mafiosi do not live as In the sign of a priest
sands of people greeted him warmly ful it is to help, how beautiful it is to Christians, because they blaspheme
as the pope-mobile made its way to serve; they find inner joy and express with their life the name of God-love.
the esplanade along the city’s port for a smile, as it was for Fr Pino. Today we need men and women of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the celebration of an open air Mass at love, not men and women of honour;
Twenty-five years ago as today, of service, not of oppression. We peals; nor was he content to do no harm
the Foro Italico, for the liturgical me- when he died on his birthday, he
morial of Blessed Pino Puglisi. The need to walk together, not pursue but rather, he sowed good, so much
crowned his victory with a smile, power. If the mafia’s litany is: ‘You good”.
Mass was concelebrated by Cardinals with that smile that kept his killer
Romeo, De Giorgi and Montenegro. do not know who I am’, the Christi- Before this Martyr’s example we must
awake at night. His killer said: “there an one is: ‘I need you’. If the mafia’s ask ourselves: “What can I do for others,
During his homily the Pope said was a kind of light in that smile”. Fr
that we have a choice to make: to live threat is: ‘You will pay for this’, the for the Church, for society? Do not wait
Pino was defenceless, but his smile Christian one is: ‘Lord, help me to for the Church to do something for you:
for ourselves and thus to lose our en-
transmitted the power of God: not a love’. Thus, I say to mafiosi, change, you can start. Do not wait for society to
tire life, or to live for others, thus
blinding glare, but a gentle light that brothers and sisters! Stop thinking of do it, you can begin!”, the Pontiff said
finding the true meaning of life. Fr
delves in and enlightens the heart. It yourselves and your money. You again. Adding that the only “Christian
Puglisi chose to live for others. He
is the light of love, of giving, of ser- know, you all know, that ‘the shroud populism” is to “listen and serve the
“knew that he was taking a risk, but
he knew above all that the true vice. We need many smiling priests. has no pockets’. You cannot take people, without shouting, accusing and
danger in life lies not in taking risks, We need many smiling Christians, not anything with you. Convert to the causing disputes”.
but in getting by amid comforts, because they take things lightly, but true God of Jesus Christ, dear broth- Several hours earlier, the Pope had
ploys and shortcuts”. While paying because they are rich only in the joy ers and sisters! I say to you, mafiosi: opened his Sicilian day in Piazza Armerina,
homage to Fr Puglisi, the Pontiff im- of God, because they believe in love if you do not do this, your own life where Fr Puglisi had been one month be-
plored members of the mafia to and live to serve. It is in giving one’s will be lost and it will be the worst fore he was assassinated. And here, in the
change and convert, echoing the his- life that joy is found, because there is of defeats. heart of the island, Pope Bergoglio de-
toric warning Saint John Paul II had more joy in giving than in receiving Today’s Gospel passage ends with nounced the widespread evils in many soci-
made 25 years earlier in Agrigento. (cf. Acts 20:35). So, I would like to Jesus’ invitation: “If any one serves eties, but in order to seek “new ways of an-
“One cannot believe in God and be ask you: do you too wish to live this me, he must follow me” (Jn 12:26). nouncing and offering mercy above all to
mafioso”, the Holy Father stressed. way? Do you want to give your life, He must follow me, that is, set out brothers and sisters who have fallen prey to
without expecting others to take the on the path. One cannot follow Jesus disinterest, to diffidence, to a crisis of
“Those who are mafiosi do not live as
first step? Do you want to do good with ideas, one must get to work. “If faith”. He observed immediately after that
Christians”. Directly addressing mem-
without expecting to be repaid, “to consider the wounds of society and of
bers of the mafia, the Holy Father is- everyone does something, a great
without waiting for the world to be- the Church is not a denigrating and pess-
sued a warning and made an appeal: deal can be done”, Fr Pino used to
come better? Dear brothers and sis- imistic action”, but a necessary step for in-
“Change, brothers and sisters! Stop say. How many of us put these words
carnation and for proclaiming the Gospel.
thinking of yourselves and your ters, do you wish to risk taking this into practice? Today, before him, let
money .... Convert to the true God of path, to take a risk for the Lord? us ask ourselves: what can I do? G.M.V.
page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 21 September 2018, number 38

The Holy Father’s conversation with Jesuits in Dublin

“Thank you very much! I apolo-

gize for receiving you in such a
To heal the wounds
rush. I am late and shortly I must
go to the Meeting of Families, Church marked by elitism and renewed.... And when there is The Pope asks the Provincial:
because there are precise clericalism, an incapacity for something difficult to say, he How many novices do you
timetables I must follow. First closeness to the People of God. does not become persistent, but have?
and foremost I apologize for hav- Elitism and clericalism favour all says: “I understand, I under-
ing forgotten all the English I forms of abuse. And sexual abuse stand...”, to free the other person The Provincial replies that there are
learned in Milltown so many is not the first. The first is the ab- from embarrassment. He makes three: one from Ireland and two
years ago, when I came to Ireland use of power and of conscience. I confession an encounter with from Great Britain, in the same
for the first time. I cannot get by ask your help for this. Take cour- Jesus Christ, not a torture cham- novitiate house. Then Francis contin-
with English. It must be a psy- age! Be brave! I really could ber or a studio for psychoanalys- ues:
chological barrier! But thank you hardly believe the stories that I is. It is essential to be the reflec-
This is something that concerns
very much. have seen well documented. I tion of merciful Jesus. But what
me: vocations. What happens if
Why was I late? Because I had heard them here in the other did Jesus ask the adulterous wo-
the people are no longer enthusi-
a meeting with eight survivors of room and I was deeply moved. man? Did he ask her, for in-
astic about our life? We must re-
sexual abuse. I did not know that This is a special mission for you: stance: “How many times and consider our life in order to re-
in Ireland there were also situ- to clean up, to change con- with whom?”. No! He simply ceive sons. Or are we already
ations of unwed mothers with sciences, to never be afraid to call said: “Go and sin no more”. The sterile? When we discover our
children, whose children were things by their name. joy of the Gospel is Jesus’ mercy, sterility, if we pray with the wish
taken away. Listening to this Another thing. The Provincial or rather, Jesus’ tenderness. And to be fruitful, the Lord will give
touched my heart in a particular told me that I am making the Jesus liked the crowd, the com- fruitfulness. Have faith. Each of
us should caress a son, speak to a
grandson. And we [Jesuits] prac-
tically no longer have sons and
grandsons! And with the many
Sixty-three Irish around the world saints we have had in the Society
over the centuries.... We must
think and ask ourselves: what is
The transcript of the dialogue There were also three Jesuits in quoting the Provincial: “As you happening? With so much youth
Pope Francis held on 25 August formation, from the United can see, we are not so young — that is there.... I suggest you
with a warm group of Jesuits dur- States, Canada and Cameroon. you are one of the youngsters in pray.
ing his journey to Ireland appears The Provincial, Fr Leonard A. this group! — and we ask you to
in the 15 September issue of La Moloney, welcomed the Pope on Next the Pope asks whether there
pray for vocations. It is a
Civiltà Cattolicà. Its editor-in- behalf of all: “Holy Father, our are any questions.... Fr Michael
chief, Fr Antonio Spadaro, SJ, ex- brother Francis, on behalf of the Province with a great deal of Bingham stands up to say: “This is
plains in his introduction that Irish Jesuits I tell you: Céad míle courage and the will to serve and not a question. I would just like to
“the event had been scheduled fáilte! [A hundred thousand wel- love in all things. This week we thank you for the example of solid-
for 6:20 PM, but the Pontiff pre- comes!] We welcome you as a heard your appeal for prayer and arity that you offer, especially to
ferred to extend the private meet- brother in Christ and son of fasting and to do everything pos- prison inmates”. The Pope responds:
ing previously held with eight Saint Ignatius. Fr Moloney sible to root out the evil of ab-
sexual abuse victims, which had thanked him for this “intimate Please, convey my greeting to
uses within the Church”. The those you know. I really care for
lasted about an hour and a half. and informal” meeting, despite
Provincial concluded his welcome those who are in prison. I have a
At approximately 6:40 PM, Fran- the Pope’s very heavy schedule.
cis made his entrance to a hall in “But in particular”, he said, “we with these words: “Once again, particular fondness for them.
the Nunciature, where 63 Jesuits, thank you for your deep faith in Holy Father, thank you very
including Bishop Alan McGucki- Jesus Christ, as the merciful and much for being here, for accom- Fr Brendan McManus asks what
an of Raphoe, Ireland; Bishop loving face of God our Father. panying us on this journey, and practical things can be done to
Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, You present the faith as attractive above all for the joy, humour and counter abuse. The Pope responds:
Canada; and Fr John Dardis, the in a difficult moment”. serenity with which you bear the We have to denounce the cases
Society of Jesus’ General Coun- Fr Moloney expressed their burden of your leadership. You that we come to know about.
sellor for Discernment and commitment to “promoting the And when sexual abuse is a con-
must be certain of our prayers
Apostolic Planning were awaiting understanding of freedom, of dis- sequence of the abuse of power
him. Three Irish Jesuits who were cernment and spiritual accom- and of every other type of sup-
port you need in order to fulfil and of conscience, as I was saying
present are currently members of paniment”.
your mission with peace and before. The abuse of power ex-
the Province of Zambia-Malawi, In his introduction to the tran-
ists: who among us does not
and one resides in South Sudan. script, Fr Spadaro continued, courage”.
know an authoritarian bishop?
Religious superiors and authorit-
arian bishops have always existed
in the Church. Authoritarianism
way. Today the Minister for Chil- faith joyful. Is this true? As long mon, ordinary people. The poor is clericalism. At times mandating
dren and Youth Affairs spoke to as it is not a circus! [laughter] are at the heart of the Gospel. a mission in an authoritative and
me about this issue, and then she No, it is the joy of the Gospel; it The poor follow Jesus to be decisive way is confused with au-
sent me a memorandum. I would is its freshness that leads you to healed, to be nourished. This thoritarianism. Instead they are
like to ask you for special help: go forward, to not lose peace. It came to mind when you [turning two different things. It is import-
help the Church in Ireland put is important to work so one may to the Provincial] spoke of joy. ant to defeat authoritarianism and
an end to this matter. And what really understand the freshness Then you spoke about free- rediscover obedience to the mis-
do I mean by put an end to it? I and joy of the Gospel. Jesus dom: the freedom of discernment. sion mandate.
do not mean to simply turn the came to bring joy, not moral ca- I believe in discernment, and one
page, but to seek a remedy, repar- suistry. To bring openness, mercy. must be capable of doing this. It Fr John Callanan takes the floor
ation, all that is necessary to heal Jesus loved sinners. But now I must be done in prayer, seeking and asks: “How can you maintain
the wounds and give life back to am preaching ... it was not my in- the will of God ... and — this a cheerful heart with all that is
so many people. The letter I re- tention! But Jesus loved sinners sounds somewhat heretical, but it happening to you?”.
cently wrote to the People of God ... he loved them! However, he is not by any means —, just as It is a grace. Every morning,
speaks of the shame over the ab- had a terrible aversion to the cor- when Jesus is present in the for 40 years, after Lauds, I have
use. I want to emphasize it here rupt! The Gospel of Matthew, in Eucharist, the Holy Spirit is recited the prayer of St Thomas
and communicate it to you today. Chapter 23, is an example of present in discernment. And he More, asking for a sense of hu-
I understand one thing with what Jesus said to the corrupt. works in me. And thus you go mour. It seems that the Lord
great clarity: beneath this tragedy To have the freshness of the forth and you find a path you gives it to me! But in general we
of abuse, especially when it is of Gospel and to love sinners. I were not thinking of.... This is should have this sense. Fr Nich-
vast proportions and creates great know a confessor who, when a the spirit of freedom, the spirit olás used to say that we should
scandal — let us consider the case sinner comes to him to make con- that always works in us. And we give the Nobel Humour Prize to
of Chile, and here in Ireland or fession, he welcomes him or her must not miss this when we speak
in the United States — lies a in such a way that they feel free, about freedom. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
number 38, Friday, 21 September 2018 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 9

May the Gospel be your nourishment

In audience with recently appointed Bishops

more rewarding than the intangible

primacy of the ‘I’.
There, where many consecrated
people and ministers of God, in si-
lent self dedication, persevere oblivi-
ous to the fact that good often
makes no sound; it is neither a topic
for blogs, nor front page news. They
continue to believe and to cour-
ageously preach the Gospel of grace
and mercy to men and women who
thirst for reasons to live, to hope
and to love. They have no fear be-
fore the wounds of Christ’s flesh, al-
ways inflicted by sin and often by
the children of the Church.
I am well aware that our time is
rampant with loneliness and neglect,
overflowing with individualism, with
growing indifference to the fate of
In an audience in the Consistory Hall on Thursday, 13 September, the Pontiff for everything but offers a full life in others. Millions of men and women,
received recently appointed Bishops taking part in a course promoted by the exchange. Not a watered down and children and young people are lost
Congregations for Bishops and for the Oriental Churches. He asked them to pay mediocre life, devoid of meaning be- in a reality which has obscured
“special attention to the clergy and to seminaries” and stressed that sanctity is the cause it is filled with loneliness and points of reference; they are destabil-
“most urgent” task of a bishop. The following is a translation of the Pope’s pride, but rather, the life which ized by the anguish of belonging to
address, which was given in Italian. gushes forth from his company nothing. Their fate does not ques-
which never disappoints, from the tion the conscience of all and often,
humble strength of the Cross of his unfortunately, those who have the
Dear Brothers, on high. Therefore, what is being
Son, from the serene safety of vic- greatest responsibility, culpably step
Good morning! asked of you is not an intermittent
torious love that abides there. aside. But we are not permitted to
dedication, an occasional fidelity, a
I welcome you with joy today at the Do not allow yourselves to be ignore the flesh of Christ, which was
end of your pilgrimage as new Bish- selective obedience, no; you are
called to consume yourselves night tempted by accounts of catastrophes entrusted to us not only in the Sac-
ops at the spiritual wellspring of this or prophesies of disasters because rament which we break, but also in
ancient and ever new Rome of Peter and day.
what truly matters is to persevere, the People we have inherited.
and Paul. In embracing you as new To remain vigilant even when the
light disappears or when God him- preventing love from growing cold (cf. His wounds belong to us too. It
Shepherds of the Church, still per-
self is concealed in darkness, when Mt 24:12) and to keep your head high is our duty to touch them, not to
haps experiencing the wonder of be-
the temptation to withdraw insinu- and lifted towards the
ing called to this mission which is Lord (cf. Lk 21:28)
never in proportion and in conform- ates itself and the evil one, who is
because the Church is
ity with our strengths, I would like always lurking, subtly suggests that, not ours. She is
to take you aside, you and each of by now, the dawn will no longer God’s! He was here
your Churches; I would like to ap- come. In that very moment, prostrate before us and he will
proach you with the touch of Christ, yourself with your face to the ground be here after us! The
the Gospel of God which warms the (cf. Gen 17:3) again, in order to destiny of the Church,
heart, reopens our ears and loosens the listen to God, who speaks and re- of the small flock is
tongue to the joy that victoriously hidden in
neither fails nor wanes the Cross of the Son
because it is never pur- of God. Our names
chased nor deserved; The source of sanctity is the grace of are sculpted in his
indeed it is pure grace! drawing closer to the joy of the Gospel heart — sculpted in his
In the perspective of heart! Our fate is in
the joy of the Gospel,
and allowing this to invade our life his hands. Thus do
you have attempted to in such a way that one not spend the best of
read the mystery of your energies counting
your identity newly re-
can no longer live otherwise failures and throwing
ceived as a gift from back bitterness, allow-
God. You have chosen ing your hearts to be-
the right perspective to enter the news his promise which was never come smaller and your
episcopal ministry, for which we can rescinded. And then remain faithful horizons to contract.
boast no credit and in which there even when, in the heat of the day, May Christ be your
are no titles of property or acquired the strength of perseverance wanes joy. May the Gospel
rights. We found our life’s treasure and the results from the toil no be your nourishment. Gloria Ssali, “Jesus the Good Shepherd”
almost “by chance”, and we are thus longer depend on the resources we Keep your gaze firmly
called to sell everything in order to have. and only on the Lord
safeguard the field in which this Jesus and, growing ac-
And all this is not to feed some
treasure trove lies (cf. Mt 13:44). It narcissistic pretense of being essen- customed to his light, may you make manifestos of even under-
is necessary to take this precious gift tial, but to make the Father favour- know how to search for it tirelessly standable anger, but to make them
in hand every day, searching for light able to your People. God already fa- even where it is refracted through places in which the Bride of Christ
in his light (cf. Ps 35:10), allowing his vours mankind. His divine being humble brilliance. can learn how disfigured she can be-
face to transfigure us . that could also have existed without There, in the families of your come when the Bridegroom’s fea-
I am speaking to you here about us, is revealed for us in his Son Jesus communities where, in steadfast pa- tures fade from her face. But she
your most urgent task as Shepherds: . In him is the offer of God’s father- tience and in anonymous generosity, also learns whence to set out again
that of sanctity. Just as the Church’s hood which is never resigned. In the gift of life is cradled and nour- in humble and scrupulous fidelity to
prayer was expressed in you, you him we know the divine heart that ished. her Lord’s voice. Only He can guar-
were elected by the Father who knows no one and nothing can give up for There, where hearts are inhabited antee that men do not merely find
the secrets in our hearts, to serve him lost. This is the message which the by the fragile but indestructible cer- wild grapes in the branches of his
night and day, in order to make him faithful have the right to find on tainty that truth prevails, that loving vineyard (cf. Is 5:4), but also the
favourable to your People (cf. Roman your lips, in your hearts and in your is not futile, that forgiveness has the good wine (cf. Jn 2:10), the one
Missal, Prayer of Ordination of lives. power to change and to reconcile, from the true vine, without which we
Bishops). At the beginning of your ministry, that unity always overcomes divi- can do nothing (cf. Jn 15:5).
You are not the fruit of a merely I pray that you will place God at sion, that the courage to disregard
human scrutiny, but of a choice from the centre: He is the One who asks oneself for the good of others is CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
page 10 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 21 September 2018, number 38

With Jesuits in Dublin

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 the name of another Jesuit
he had met. Fr O’Sullivan
Fr Kolvenbach, because he was able to laugh asks a question about the
at everything, at himself and also at his shad- responsibilities in regard to
ow. This is a grace to ask for. I do not know abuse cases. Francis begins
if the one I have is the right one, perhaps it to respond by stating that
is only foolishness.... [laughter] Having a one must be aware of one’s
sense of humour is the result of the Spirit’s responsibilities and fulfil
consolation. I concentrate on something that them according to the prop-
helps me: a Jesuit must always seek consola- er structure of the Church,
tion; he must seek to be consoled. When he that is, of the local
is desolate, he is barren. Consolation is an Churches. But the head or-
anointing of the Spirit. It can be strong or ganizer of the trip enters
also minimal. The minimum of consolation is the room and asks the Holy Father to con- Francis did not have time for a group photo,
inner peace. We have to live with this peace. clude the meeting, because he is behind nor to greet each person one by one, as he
If a Jesuit does not live in peace, he lives in schedule. On behalf of everyone, George usually does. However, he asked them to re-
desolation. Fallon, an elderly Jesuit brother, offers Fran- cite a “Hail Mary” together. They all stood
Fr Michael O’Sullivan stands up and asks: cis a small pyx for carrying Communion to up. After the prayer, before making his exit,
“I do not know if you remember, but we met the sick, saying: “I ask the Lord to give you the Pope could not resist greeting some of
in the 1980s here in Milltown”. The Pope the gift of the Holy Spirit as well as Wisdom the elderly Jesuits in wheelchairs, who were
asks his name, and he recalls it, along with to help you during your visit”. Unfortunately in the first row.

To newly appointed bishops the Pope addresses attention to priestly formation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 som and bear fruit in the living ness (cf. Ps 131[130]:2). It is a sanc- evaluation. But our responses will
body of the Church entrusted to tity that is conscious that you can have no future if they fail to reach
This is the Church’s aim: to dis- you by the Lord, just as he entrus- offer nothing more effective, greater, the spiritual chasm — which, in
tribute throughout the world this ted his own Mother to his beloved more precious, more necessary to the many cases, has given way to scan-
new wine which is Christ. Nothing disciple, at the foot of the Cross. world than the fatherhood that is dalous weaknesses — if they do not
can divert us from this mission. We Welcome her as a bride to love, a within you. In meeting you, may reveal the existential emptiness they
are in constant need of new wineskins virgin to protect, a mother to make each person at least touch the have nurtured, if they do not reveal
(cf. Mk 2:22), and all that we do is fruitful. May your heart not incline beauty of God, the security of his why God has been rendered so
never enough to make them worthy toward other loves; be vigilant that company and the fullness of his mute, so silent, so removed from a
of the new wine which they are the terrain of your Churches be fer- closeness. It is a sanctity that grows certain way of life, as if he were not
called to contain and to pour. But it tile for the seed of the Word and as we discover that God cannot be there.
is precisely for this reason that the never ravaged by the boars (cf. Ps tamed, does not need fences to de- And here, each of us must
containers need to know that 80[79]:13). fend his freedom and does not con- humbly go deep within ourselves
without the new wine they will be How will you be able to do this? taminate himself as he draws near. and ask ourselves what we can do to
cold earthenware jars, capable of re- By remembering that we are not the On the contrary, he sanctifies what
render more holy the face of the
membering the absence but not of origin of our “portion of sanctity”, he touches.
Church we govern in the name of
offering fullness. Please, may noth- rather it is always God. It is a tiny There is no need for an account- the Supreme Shepherd. It does not
ing divert you from this aim: to offer sanctity, which is nourished by sur- ing of our virtues, nor for a program help to just point the finger at oth-
fullness! rendering into his hands like a of asceticism, a training ground for ers, to create scapegoats, to tear off
May your sanctity not be the fruit weaned child who does not need to personal effort or a diet renewed one’s vestments, to reveal the weak-
of isolation, but rather may it blos- ask for any proof of maternal close- from one Monday to the next, as if ness of others as the sons who lived
sanctity were merely the fruit of will. at home like servants love to do (cf
The source of sanctity is the grace of Lk 15:29-30). Here it is necessary to
drawing closer to the joy of the Gos- work together and in communion,
pel and allowing this to invade our certain, however that authentic sanc-
life in such a way that one can no tity is what God carries out within
Rescriptum longer live otherwise. us when, docile to his Spirit, we re-
Before we existed, God was here turn to the simple joy of the Gospel,
ex audientia SS.mi and he loved us. Sanctity is to touch
this flesh of God which precedes us.
so that his beatitude may become
flesh for others, in our choices and
In the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium of 8 December 2017, It is getting in touch with his kind- in our lives.
the Holy Father Francis established that the promulgation and entry ness. Look at the shepherds who
I therefore, invite you to go for-
into force of the new dispositions concerning the Ecclesiastical Univer- were called in the Bethlehem night:
ward joyfully and not embittered, se-
sities and Faculties would be by publication of the said Constitution they found in that Child, the good-
rene and not distressed, comforted
in the official register Acta Apostolicae Sedis. ness of God! It is a joy which no
and not abandoned — seek comfort
Now, considering unforeseen technical difficulties which sub- one can rob them of. Look at the
in the Lord — preserving the heart
sequently arose, people who observed Calvary from
of lambs who, although surrounded by
afar: they returned home beating
the Holy Father Francis, wolves, know that they will overcome
their chests because they had seen
at the audience granted to me on 3 September 2018, for the purpose the bleeding body of the Word of because they rely on the shepherd’s help
of facilitating the regular implementation of the established require- God. The vision of God’s flesh bur- (cf. Saint John Chrysostom, Hom.
rows into the heart and prepares the 33,1: PG 57, 389).
ments and to urge the interested parties to comply therewith in con-
formity with Can. n. 8 of the Code of Canon Law as prescribed, place where divine fullness slowly May Mary, who carries us without
which “in particular cases” establishes a different manner of promulga- makes a home. judging us, be the shining star that
tion of Ecclesiastical Law, has ordered that, notwithstanding the relev- Therefore, I urge you not to be guides your journey.
ant provisions of the Constitution, the said dispositions shall be pro- ashamed of the flesh of your I thank Cardinal Marc Ouellet
mulgated by publication in the daily edition of L’Osservatore Romano, Churches. Enter into dialogue with and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri and
immediately entering into force. their questions. I ask you to pay their respective Congregations for
special attention to the clergy and to the generous work they have done,
From the Vatican, 4 September 2018 seminaries. We cannot respond to and I impart by Apostolic Blessing
the challenges we have in their re- upon each of you and on the
Cardinal Pietro Parolin gard without updating our processes Churches you have been called to
Secretary of State of selection, accompaniment and serve. Thank you!
number 38, Friday, 21 September 2018 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 11

Promoting nuclear disarmament

Secretary for Relations with States to the International Atomic Energy Agency

Mr President, On Monday, 17 September, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, significantly to the alleviation of
I have the great honour of con- Secretary for Relations with States, addressed the International poverty and the ability of coun-
veying to you and to all the dis- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during its 62nd General Conference tries to meet their development
tinguished participants at this in Vienna. The following is the English text of his discourse. goals in a sustainable way.
62nd General Conference of the The Agency plays a proactive
International Atomic Energy role at all levels in developing
Agency, the best wishes and cor- The use of IAEA safeguards con- The Holy See recognizes the
stitutes an important tool in important contribution of the strategies for the Programme of
dial greetings of His Holiness
moving towards the goal of de- IAEA to creating a world free of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT),
Pope Francis.
Mr President, on behalf of nuclearization. nuclear weapons. This role is and in establishing and enhan-
the Delegation of the Holy See, The non-proliferation regime characterized by the effective cing radiotherapy programmes.
I congratulate you and the must work as tirelessly for a combination of those measures In this regard, the Holy See ex-
members of the Board on your comprehensive nuclear-test ban available under comprehensive presses its gratitude and appre-
election by this distinguished as it does for nuclear disarma- safeguards agreements (CSAs) to- ciation to the Agency for help-
Conference. I would also like to ment. For that reason the Holy gether with various additional ing low and middle income
take the opportunity to express See signed and ratified the protocols (APs). Furthermore, ef- Member States to improve the
Treaty on the Prohibition of forts to ensure nuclear safety
our appreciation and gratitude effectiveness of their radiation
Nuclear Weapons with the aim and security, as well as to foster
to Director General Yukiya medicine services as part of a
of moving beyond nuclear de- a culture of safety have been
Amano and to the Secretariat comprehensive cancer control
terrence to a world entirely free greatly improved due to IAEA’s
for their dedicated work for the strategy, for supporting the
of nuclear weapons (cf. Pope strategies of strengthening glob-
benefit of the whole IAEA family. al, regional and national net- training of health professionals,
On this occasion, the Holy Francis, Message to the United
Nations Conference to Negoti- works and forums, and by ex- and for engaging in fundraising
See, along with various states,
welcomes and congratulates ate a Legally Binding Instru-
Grenada on becoming a mem- ment to Prohibit Nuclear
ber of the IAEA. Weapons, Leading Towards
Mr President, their Total Elimination, 23
The Holy See commends and March 2017).
supports the many activities of Nuclear tests involve the sub-
the IAEA that have strengthened stantial and uncontrolled release
international cooperation and of radioactive materials directly
contributed in a significant way into the environment. They have
to the prevention of nuclear resulted in the largest cumulat-
proliferation and to the promo- ive dose of man-made radiation
tion of nuclear disarmament. unleashed thus far upon popu-
Such activities, in fact, also help lations and the global environ-
to foster integral human devel- ment (cf. UNSCEAR 2000 Report
opment, by promoting technical to the General Assembly, Expos-
cooperation in the nuclear sci- ures to the public from man-
ences and their applications, made sources of radiation,
and by advancing the peaceful Volume I, Annex C, pp. 158-180.
use of nuclear technologies. United Nations, New York,
I wish now to address briefly 2000). As Pope Francis has said
some of the relevant aspects of “the natural environment is a panding capability and capacity to boost cancer control pro-
IAEA’s fundamental work. collective good, the patrimony in nuclear, radiation, transport grammes and activities.
The nuclear non-proliferation of all humanity and the respons- and waste safety, and also in On this occasion, the Holy
regime is strongly supported by ibility of everyone. If we make emergency preparedness and re- See recalls the urgent need for a
IAEA safeguards, which are fo- something our own, it is only to sponse. The broader goals of modern global ethic of respons-
cused on strengthening its ef- administer it for the good of all. nuclear non-proliferation, nucle- ibility, solidarity and cooperative
fectiveness and improving its ef- If we do not, we burden our ar disarmament, and the peace- security, which must replace the
ficiency. For example, the IAEA’s consciences with the weight of ful uses of nuclear technologies, old ways of thinking that have
participation in the verification having denied the existence of each depend upon these crucial so often been driven by self-in-
and monitoring of Iran’s com- others” (cf. Pope Francis, En- IAEA strategies. terest and distrust. We must re-
mitments under the Joint Com- cyclical Letter Laudato Si’, § 95, The Holy See welcomes and cognize that our own peace and
prehensive Plan of Action (JC- 24 May 2015). Therefore we af- commends the Agency’s efforts security depends ultimately on
PoA) provides an indispensable firm that nuclear weapons are in establishing an “Inter-depart- the peace and security of others.
component for assessing wheth- arms of mass and environmental mental Task Force on Climate Therefore, the Holy See ap-
er all nuclear material is being destruction. Change”, and in organizing this peals to all leaders and nations
used for peaceful purposes, and Pope Francis has also noted year’s IAEA Scientific Forum fo- to work towards the common
thus contributes to greater peace that “the escalation of the arms cused on “Nuclear Technology goals of promoting nuclear non-
and security in the Middle East. race continues unabated and the for Climate: Mitigation, Monit- proliferation and disarmament,
Furthermore, the Holy See price of modernizing and devel- oring and Adaptation”. The role the peaceful development and
supports the continued and pa- oping weaponry, not only nucle- of science, technology and in- use of nuclear technologies, and
tient efforts of the international ar weapons, represents a consid- novation within the framework a sustainable integral human de-
community to revive negoti- erable expense for nations. As a of the United Nations’ Sustain- velopment, particularly for the
ations around the nuclear pro- result, the real priorities facing able Development Goals (SD Gs), poorest countries. The pursuit
gramme of the Democratic our human family, such as the can be supported by various of such goals will contribute in
People’s Republic of Korea, fight against poverty, the pro- nuclear technologies and their no small way to a true and last-
which threatens the integrity of motion of peace, the undertak- applications as outlined in IAEA ing global peace.
the non-proliferation regime. ing of educational, ecological developmental protocols, and Mr President,
There is no military solution to and healthcare projects, and the thus promote integral develop- In conclusion, the Holy See
this threat. IAEA safeguards, re- development of human rights, ment, enhancing our steward- reiterates its sincere gratitude
flecting the Agency’s critical role are relegated to second place” ship of God’s creation. Indeed, and affirms its unwavering sup-
in nuclear verification in the re- (cf. Pope Francis, Message to IAEA technical cooperation pro- port for the IAEA’s many contri-
gion, represent an essential con- the International Symposium on jects in the fields of human butions to nuclear non-prolifera-
tribution to promoting peace the Prospects for a World Free health, water and environment, tion and disarmament, as well as
and security and help to build of Nuclear Weapons and for In- climate change, food security to the safe, secure, and peaceful,
up a climate of confidence in tegral Disarmament, 10 Novem- and smart agriculture, among development and operation of
place of mutual recriminations. ber 2017). others, have already contributed nuclear technologies. Thank you.
page 12 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 21 September 2018, number 38

At the Angelus the Holy Father recalls his visit to Sicily

Good is stronger than evil and hate

“Good is stronger than evil, love is stronger ments, we too deserve Jesus’ healthy rebuke: and I encourage them to be witnesses to the
than hate”. This message emanated from the “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on merciful love of Jesus.
witness of Fr Pino Puglisi, Pope Francis the side of God, but of men” (v. 33). I greet the Latin language teachers and
recalled after the Angelus in St Peter’s Square Brothers and sisters, the profession of students of Corderius College in Amers-
on Sunday, 16 September. It was the day after faith in Jesus Christ cannot stop at words, foort: Valete dilectissimi!
his visit to Sicily in the footsteps of the Blessed but calls to be authenticated by practical I greet the confirmands from Marsan, Vi-
martyred priest. The following is a translation choices and gestures, by a life characterized cenza, and the Swiss musicians from Oron-
of the Holy Father’s reflection on the day’s by God’s love; it calls for a great life, a life
passage from the Gospel of Mark, which he la-Ville. I also see a nice group from
with an abundance of love for neighbour. Nicaragua. I am so pleased to greet you!
shared in Italian. Jesus tells us that to follow him, to be his
disciples, we must deny ourselves (cf. v. 34), Today, two days after the Feast of the
Dear Brothers and Sisters, that is, the demands of our own selfish Holy Cross, I wanted to give a Crucifix to
Good morning! pride, and take up our own cross. Then he
Today’s Gospel passage (cf. Mk 8:27-35) gives everyone a fundamental rule. And
turns to the question that permeates the what is this rule? “For whoever would save
whole Gospel of Mark: who is Jesus? But his life will lose it” (v. 35). Often in life, for
this time Jesus himself poses it to his dis- many reasons, we go astray, looking for
ciples, helping them to gradually address happiness only in things, or in people
the question of his identity. Before asking whom we treat as things. But we find hap-
them, the Twelve, directly, Jesus wants to piness only when love, true love, encounters
hear from them what the people think us, surprises us, changes us. Love changes
about him, and he is well aware that the everything! And love can also change us,
disciples are very sensitive to the Teacher’s each one of us. The witnesses of Saints
renown! Therefore, he asks: “Who do men proves it.
say that I am?” (v. 27). It comes to light May the Virgin Mary, who lived her faith
that Jesus is considered by the people as a by faithfully following her Son Jesus, help
great prophet. But, in reality, he is not inter- us too to walk on his path, generously
ested in the opinions and gossip of the spending our life for him and for our broth-
people. He also does not agree that his dis- ers and sisters.
ciples should answer the questions with pre-
packaged formulas, quoting well-known in- After the Angelus, Pope Francis continued:
dividuals from Sacred Scripture, because a
faith that is reduced to formulas is a short- Dear brothers and sisters, yesterday I
sighted faith. made an Apostolic Visit to Piazza Armerina
and to Palermo, Sicily, on the occasion of
The Lord wants his disciples of yesterday
the 25th anniversary of the death of Blessed
and today to establish a personal relation-
Pino Puglisi [applause]. A round of ap-
ship with him, and thus to embrace him at
plause for Fr Pino! I wholeheartedly thank
the centre of their life. For this reason he
the civil and ecclesiastical authorities and all you who are here in the Square. Here it is
spurs them to face themselves honestly, and
the people who helped make this journey [holding it up]. The Crucifix is a sign of the
he asks: “But who do you say that I am?”
possible. I thank the good airplane and love of God who in Jesus gave his life for
(v. 29). Today, Jesus addresses this very di-
helicopter pilots. In particular I thank the us. I invite you to accept this gift and bring
rect and confidential question to each of us:
dear Bishops Rosario Gisana and Corrado it into your homes, to the rooms of your
“You, who do you say that I am? All of
Lorefice for their excellent pastoral service. children or of your grandparents ... any-
you, who do you say that I am? Who am I
I thank the young people, the families and where, but so that it can be seen in the
for you?”. Each person is called to respond,
all the marvelous people of this beautiful home. It is not a decorative object but a re-
in his or her heart, allowing each one to be
land of Sicily, for their warm welcome. May ligious symbol for contemplation and pray-
illuminated by the light that the Father
the example and witness of Fr Puglisi con- er. In looking at Jesus Crucified, we are
gives us in order to know his Son Jesus.
tinue to illuminate all of us and confirm for looking at our salvation. It is free of charge.
And it can also happen to us, as it did to
us that good is stronger than evil, love is If someone tells you that you have to pay,
Peter, that we passionately affirm: “You are
stronger than hate. May the Lord bless you he is a swindler! No, nothing! This is a gift
the Christ”. However, when Jesus tells us
Sicilians and your land. A round of ap- from the Pope! I thank the nuns, the poor
clearly what he told the disciples, that is,
plause for the people of Sicily! people and the refugees who are now dis-
that his mission is fulfilled not on the wide
road to success, but on the arduous path of Dear brothers and sisters, I greet with af- tributing this small but precious gift! As al-
the suffering, humiliated, rejected and cruci- fection all you, people of Rome and pil- ways, faith comes from the little ones, from
fied Servant, then it can also happen that grims from different countries: families, par- the humble.
we, like Peter, might protest and rebel be- ish groups, associations. I wish everyone a happy Sunday. Please,
cause this contrasts with our expectations, I greet those participating in the Missio do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your
with worldly expectations. In those mo- Giovani of the Pontifical Mission Societies lunch. Arrivederci!