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Fifty-third year, number 50 (2.676) Friday, 11 December 2020

Pope pays homage to the and prays at Saint Mary Major A year dedicated to Saint Joseph

Despite the heavy rain, Fran- casion of the publication of his cis made a private Marian pilgrim- Apostolic Letter P a t r i s C o rd e , “With age into the heart of early a father’s heart”. The text was writ- Tuesday morning, 8 December, the ten by the Pontiff to commemorate of the Immaculate Con- the 150th anniversary of the ception. He visited both Piazza di with which Pius IX declared Saint Spagna and the Basilica of Saint Joseph Patron of the Universal Mary Major to entrust to the Church. The text of the Apostolic Mother of God all those who, both Letter along with a Decree grant- in the city and in the world, are af- ing special by the flicted by illness and discourage- were in fact ment. published on the same day as Fr a n c i s ’ Marian pilgrimage. In Piazza di Spagna First on the Pope’s itinerary was Indulgences to pause in prayer before the Mari- The Holy Father has instituted a an column in Piazza Mignanelli, special year — from 8 December next to Piazza di Spagna. At 7:10 2020 to 8 December 2021 — during am, the Holy Father placed a bas- which the Plenary will ket of white roses as a gift, at the be granted to those who complete base of the column which holds five particular acts of piety or the statue of Our Lady, and works of charity connected to the thanked the firefighters who were model offered by the putative fath- there to generously lend their ser- er of . The Decree in particu- vices. lar notes the devotion to Saint Joseph which has grown extens- At Saint Mary Major ively throughout the history of the The second event was his visit to C h u rc h . the Liberian Basilica where prayed before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani and offered a second basket of white Apostolic Penitentiary Decree roses and, at 7:30, celebrated Mass in her honour in Basilica’s Crypt of Special Indulgence the Nativity. The Pope carried with him the memory of Saint Ignatius PAGE 4 of Loyola who celebrated the first Mass there on Christmas in 1538. At the conclusion Francis recited a prayer to Saint Joseph for the oc- Pope’s Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’

PAGE 5-8 General Audience An g e l u s Immaculate Conception

PAGE 12

Apostolic Journey from 5 to 8 March 2021 Pope Francis to visit the Republic of Iraq

The Director of the Press Office, Mr , announced on Monday, 7 December, that the Holy Father will visit the Republic of Iraq. “Pope Francis, accepting the invitation of the Republic of Iraq and of the local , will make an Apostolic Journey to the aforementioned Country on 5-8 March 2021. He will visit Baghdad, the plain of Ur, linked to the memory of Abraham, the city of Erbil, as well as Mo- sul and Qaraqosh in the plain of Nineveh. The programme of the Journey will be made known in due course, and will take into consideration the evolution of PAGE 3 the worldwide health emergency”. page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

Pop e’s Chirograph Wo r l d w i d e Prayer Network VAT I C A N With a Chirograph dated 17 November 2020, the Holy Father June 2014, subsequent to his ap- established the Pope’s Worldwide BULLETIN pointment as of Leges Prayer Network Foundation and Auxiliary of La Paz. (formerly the Apostleship of Prayer), as a canonical and AUDIENCES Bishop-elect Camilleri, 51, was The Holy Father appointed Fr Mi- Vatican legal entity. The Holy born in Malta. He was ordained a chael Otieno Odiwa as Bishop of Father has appointed Fr Frédéric Saturday, 28 November priest on 12 May 2007. He holds: a Homa Bay, Kenya. Until now he has Fornos, SJ, as International licence in commerce; a Master’s de- Director of the Foundation. The Cardinal Marc Ouellet, PSS, Prefect served as fidei donum priest in the gree in Business Administration; a following is a translation of the of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia licence in . (29 Nov.). C h i ro g ra p h . H.B. Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, OMM, Patriarch of Antioch for Ma- The Holy Father appointed Fr Bishop-elect Otieno Odiwa, 58, ronites, Lebanon Stephanus Han Jung Hyun as Aux- was born in Sori Karungu, Kenya. iliary Bishop of the of Dae- He was ordained a priest on 3 July Fr Frédéric Fornos, S J, International jeon, Korea, assigning him the titu- 1993. He holds a degree in philo- Director, Pope’s Worldwide Prayer lar of Mozotcori. Un- sophy and theology. Network til now he has served as priest of the Sacra Famiglia Parish (28 The Holy Father accepted the resig- CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E N o v. ) . nation presented by Bishop Robert Bishop-elect Han Jung Hyun, 49, Ovide Bourgon from the pastoral The Holy Father accepted the resig- was born in Hong Sung, Korea. He care of the Diocese of Hearst-Moo- nation presented by Bishop Patrick was ordained a priest on 21 February sonee, Canada (29 Nov.). Kieran Lynch, SSCC, from the office 2000. He holds a degree in philo- of Auxiliary Bishop of the Metro- sophy and theology. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer politan Archdiocese of Southwark, Network, formerly the Apostle- England (28 Nov.). The Holy Father appointed as Vicar APOSTOLIC AD M I N I S T R AT O R ship of Prayer, founded in The Holy Father appointed Fr Ivan Apostolic of El Beni, Bolivia, Bish- France by Fr François-Xavier Gautrelet, S J, is based on the Philip Camilleri as Auxiliary Bishop op Aurelio Pesoa Ribera, OFM, titu- The Holy Father appointed as spirituality of the Sacred Heart of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of lar Bishop of Leges and Auxiliary of Apostolic Administrator Sede plena La Paz, Bolivia (28 Nov.) of the Diocese of Broome, Australia, of Jesus and receives the Toronto, Canada, assigning him the monthly prayer intentions pro- titular episcopal See of Teglata in Bishop Pesoa Ribera, 58, was Mons. Paul Boyers. Until now he has served as of the posed to the Church by the Numidia. Until now he has served born in Concepción, Bolivia. Mem- Holy Father. as vicar general and moderator of ber of the Order of Friars Minor, he said Diocese (28 Nov.). Several years ago I instituted the for the said Archdiocese was ordained a priest on 16 April The Holy Father appointed Arch- the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer (28 Nov.). 1989. He was ordained a bishop on 5 bishop Terrence Thomas Prender- Network as a Pontifical Work to gast, S J, as Apostolic Administrator emphasize the universal nature of of Hearst-Moosonee (29 Nov.) this apostolate and the need we all have to pray more and more, and with heartfelt sincerity. Pop e’s prayer intention for December CHOIR With the purpose to coordin- Prayer changes reality The Holy Father appointed Fr Mar- ate and inspire this spiritual cos Pavan as Maestro Director of the movement so dear to me, provid- . Until now he ing it with a structure adequate to the times in which we live by has served as Maestro director ad in- “For a life of prayer” is the prayer intention for the month of December, virtue of the apostolic power of terim of the said Choir (22 Nov.). showcased in the video on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. the Church, and of the sover- “The heart of the Church’s mission is prayer”, the Pontiff states, and eignty of Vatican City State, in it “is the key for us to be able to enter into dialogue with the Father”. SERMON view of canons 331, 114 and 115 Images are seen of people engaged in prayer, joined hands, faces of wo- § 3, 116 § 1 and 1303 § 1, n. 1 of men and children raising their requests to God. Silent, heartfelt prayer, On Friday morning, 4 December, in the Code of , and like that of the Pope before the miraculous Crucifix preserved in the the presence of the Holy Father, Article n. 1 of t he Fundamental Roman church of San Marcello al Corso, as well as on the parvis in Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, State of 26 November 2000, accepting the Saint Peter’s Square on Friday, 27 March, as he prayed for an end to OFM Cap., held the first Sermon of request presented by the Pope’s the pandemic. “Every time we read a short passage from the Gospel”, Advent on the theme: “Teach us to Worldwide Prayer Network, Francis continues, “we hear Jesus speaking to us. We have a conversa- count our days aright, that we may tion with Jesus. We listen to Jesus and we reply. And this”, he says, “is gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12) I HEREBY E S TA B L I S H prayer”, because “by praying, we change reality. And we change our in the Paul VI Hall. hearts”. Indeed, “our heart changes when we pray”. In fact, the Holy the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Father points out, “we can do many things, but without prayer, it does Network as a canonical and Vatic- not work”. NECROLO GY an juridical entity, with headquar- Thus, he invites us to ask the Lord “that our personal relationship with ters in Vatican City State, gov- erned by the Statutes annexed to Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer”. The Bishop Uriah Adolphus Ashley this Chirograph, approved by me video ends with these words: “In silence, everyone, each one in heartfelt Maclean, titular Bishop of Agbia and Auxiliary Bishop emeritus of today, which will enter into force prayer”, which Pope Francis pronounced during the meeting with the on 17 December 2020. Worldwide Prayer Network on the 175th anniversary of its foundation. Panamá and first Bishop of Pen- onomé, Panama, at age 76 (25 Nov.) As always, the video, available on the internet at www.thepopevideo.org Vatican City, 17 November 2020. and translated into nine languages, was created and produced by the Bishop Alfonso Milián Sorribas, Pop e’s Worldwide Prayer Network in cooperation with La Machi Agency Bishop emeritus of Barbastro- and the for Communication. Monzón, Spain, at age 81 (26 Nov.)

ANDREA MONDA TIPO GRAFIA VAT I C A N A EDITRICE Subscription rates: - Vatican: € 58.00; Europe: € 100.00 - US$ 148.00 £ 80.00; America, Africa, L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO L’OS S E R VAT O R E ROMANO Asia: € 110.00 - US$ 160.00 - £ 88.00; Oceania, North America: € 162.00 - £ 130.00. Editor-in-Chief Management Office: phone +390669899480; fax +390669885164; e-mail [email protected]. WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH For India: The weekly English Edition of L'Osservatore Romano is published and distributed in Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt Photo Service [email protected] w w w. p h o t o .v a India by Carmel International Publishing House, Cotton Hill, Trivandrum- 695 014, Kerala-India; phone: +91471327253, fax: +91471328191, 329934; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]. For North America: L’Osservatore Romano (USPS 016-419) is published fifty times per year (weekly, except third week in Advertising Agency August and last week in December) by Our Sunday Visitor, L’Osservatore Romano, English Edition, 200 Noll Plaza, Vatican City Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A. Editorial office Huntington, IN 46750. Periodicals Postage Pending at Huntington, IN, and additional mailing offices, USA – phone: redazione.inglese.or@sp c.va System Comunicazione Pubblicitaria via del Pellegrino, 00120 Vatican City Via Monte Rosa 91, 20149 Milano 800-348-2440 x2171; fax: 866-891-7390 – e-mail: [email protected]. w w w. o s s e r v a t o re ro m a n o .v a telephone +390669899300, fax +390669883675 s e g re t e r i a d i re z i o n e s y s t e m @ i l s o l e 2 4 o re . c o m POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750 number 50, Friday, 11 December 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

GENERAL AU D I E N C E

“God always answers: [it may be] today, tomorrow, but he always answers, in one way or another”, Pope Francis told the faithful, as he continued his series of catecheses on prayer at the General Audience on Wednesday morning, 9 December. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words which he delivered in Italian from the Library of the Vatican’s .

Catechesis on the prayer of asking A cry that does not go unheard

Dear Brothers and Sisters, sembles a dry, parched land, as settle the accounts with his land- because it knows that everyone Good morning! the Psalm says (cf. Psalm 63:2). lord, says this: “To ask, I am who prays has an ally who is We all experience, at some time ashamed”. And many of us have stronger than it: the Risen Lord. Let us continue our reflections on or another in our existence, a Death has already been defeated prayer. Christian prayer is fully this feeling: we are ashamed to time of melancholy, or of loneli- in Christ, and the day will come human — we pray as humans, as ask, to ask for help, to ask when everything will be final, and what we are — it includes praise ness. The Bible is not ashamed of something of someone who can showing our human condition, help us, to reach our purpose, it will no longer scorn our life and supplication. Indeed, when and our happiness. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, marked by disease, injustice, the and also ashamed to ask God. he did so with the “Our Father”, betrayals of friends, or the threat One should not be ashamed to Let us learn to remain in ex- so that we might place ourselves of enemies. At times it seems that pray and to say: “Lord, I need pectation of the Lord. The Lord in a relationship of filial trust everything is collapsing, that the this”, “Lord, I am in difficulty”, comes to visit us, not only during with God, and ask him all our life lived so far has been in vain. “Help me!”: It is the cry of the these great feasts — Christmas, questions. We implore God for the And in these situations, seemingly heart to God who is the Father. Easter — but rather the Lord vis- highest gifts: the sanctification of dead ends, there is only one way And we have to learn to do so its us every day, in the intimacy his name among men, the advent out: the cry, the prayer “L o rd , also in happy moments, to thank of our heart if we are in waiting. of his lordship, the fulfillment of help me!”. Prayer can open up a God for everything that is given And very often we do not realize his will for good in relation to sliver of light in the densest dark- to us, and not to take anything that the Lord is nearby, that he the world. The Catechism re c a l l s ness. “Lord, help me!”. This for granted or as if it were owed knocks on our door, and we let that: “There is a hierarchy in opens up the road, it opens up to us: everything is grace. The him pass by. Saint Augustine used to say: I am afraid of God these petitions: we pray first for the path. Lord always gives to us, always, when he passes; I am afraid he the Kingdom, then for what is We human beings share this in- and everything is grace, will pass and I will not realize. necessary to welcome it and co- vocation of help with the rest of everything. The grace of God. And the Lord passes, the Lord operate with its coming” (n. creation. We are not the only However, we must not suffocate comes, the Lord knocks. But if 2632). But in the “Our Father” ones “praying” in this boundless the supplication that rises up in your ears are filled with other we also pray for the simplest universe: every fragment of cre- us spontaneously. Prayer of peti- noise, you will not hear the call gifts, for more everyday gifts, ation bears the desire for God. tion goes in step with acceptance of the Lord. such as “daily bread” — which And Saint Paul himself expressed of our limitations and our nature also means health, home, work, it in this way. He says: “We know as creatures. One may even not Brothers and sisters, to be wait- everyday things; and it also that the whole creation has been reach the point of belief in God, ing: this is the prayer. means for the Eucharist, neces- groaning in travail together until but it is difficult not to believe in sary for life in Christ; just as we now; and not only the creation, prayer: it simply exists, it presents SPECIAL GREETINGS pray for the forgiveness of sins — but we ourselves, who have the itself to us as a cry; and we all know this inner voice that may I cordially greet the English- which is a daily matter; we are al- first fruits of the Spirit, groan in- speaking faithful. On our Advent remain silent for a long time, but ways in need of forgiveness — and w a rd l y ” (Rom 8:22-24). The mul- journey, may the light of Christ one day awakens and cries out. then for peace in our relation- tiform cry of creatures resounds illumine our paths and dispel all ships; and finally, that he help us in us: of trees, of rocks, of anim- Brothers and sisters, we know darkness and fear from our hearts. during temptation and deliver us als. Everything yearns for fulfill- that God will respond. There is Upon you and your families I in- from evil. ment. Tertullian wrote: “Every no one at prayer in the Book of voke the joy and peace of our To ask, to supplicate. This is creature prays; cattle and wild Psalms who raises a lament that Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you! beasts pray and bend their knees; very human. Let us listen to the remains unheard. God always an- Yesterday an Apostolic Letter and when they issue from the lay- Catechism again: “By prayer of swers: [it may be] today, tomor- was published, dedicated to Saint ers and lairs, they look up heav- petition we express awareness of row, but he always answers, in Joseph who was declared Patron of enward with no idle mouth, mak- our relationship with God. We one way or another. He always the Universal Church 150 years ing their breath vibrate after their are creatures who are not our own answers. The Bible repeats it ago. I entitled it “With a Father’s own manner. Nay, the birds too, beginning, not the masters of ad- countless times: God listens to Heart”. God entrusted him with versity, not our own last end. We rising out of the nest, upraise the cry of those who invoke him. the most precious treasures — Jesus are sinners who as Christians themselves heavenward, and in- Even our reluctant questions, and Mary — and he faithfully re- know that we have turned away stead of hands, expand the cross those that remain in the depths of sponded in full with courage, with from our Father. Our petition is of their wings, and somewhat to our heart, that we are ashamed to tenderness, “with a father’s heart”. already a turning back to him” seem like prayer” (De oratione, even express: the Father listens to Let us invoke his protection over (no. 2629). XXIX). This is a poetic expression them and wishes to give us the the Church of our time and let us If one feels bad because he has commenting on what Saint Paul Holy Spirit, who inspires every learn from him to always do God’s done bad things — he is a sinner says: “the whole creation has been prayer and transforms everything. will with humility. g ro a n i n g ”. But we are the only — when he prays the “Our Fath- It is always a question of pa- Lastly as usual, my thoughts ones who pray consciously, who er” he is already approaching the tience, of withstanding the wait. turn to the elderly, to young people, know that we are addressing the Lord. At times we may believe we Now we are in the season of Ad- to the sick and to newlyweds. As Father, and entering into dialogue do not need anything, that we are vent, a time that is typically of you contemplate with Mary the with the Father. enough for ourselves, and that we expectation of Christmas. We are mystery of God made Man, joy- live in complete self-sufficiency. Therefore, we should not be in waiting. This is clear to see. fully walk towards the Lord who This happens at times! But soon- shocked if we feel the need to But all our life is also in waiting. comes to save us. er or later this illusion vanishes. pray, we should not be ashamed. And prayer is always in expecta- The human being is an invoca- And, especially when we are in tion, because we know that the tion, that at times becomes a cry, need, to ask. Jesus, in speaking of Lord will answer. Even death often withheld. The soul re- a dishonest man, who had to trembles when a Christian prays, page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

PLENARY INDULGENCE

Apostolic Penitentiary In the Year of Saint Joseph the gift of Indulgences

DECREE in the Year of Saint Joseph, in the occasions and with the modalities The gift of special Indulgences is indicated by this Apostolic Peniten- granted on the occasion of the Year t i a r y. of Saint Joseph, announced by — a. Saint Joseph, an authentic Pope Francis to celebrate the 150th man of faith, invites us to rediscover anniversary of the proclamation of our filial relationship with the Fath- Saint Joseph as Patron of the uni- er, to renew our devotion to prayer, versal Church. to dispose ourselves to listen and Today marks 150 years since the correspond with profound discern- Decree Quemadmodum Deus, with ment to God’s will. The Plenary In- which Bl. Pius IX, moved by the dulgence is granted to those who grave and sorrowful circumstances in shall contemplate the Lord’s Prayer which the Church was threatened by for at least 30 minutes, or participate man suffers, where he runs away, the three customary conditions in mankind’s hostility, declared Saint in a Spiritual Retreat of at least one where he experiences rejection and their own home or wherever the im- Joseph the Patron of the Catholic day which involves a meditation on abandonment”4. The Plenary Indul- pediment detains them, shall recite C h u rc h . Saint Joseph; gence is granted to the faithful who an act of piety in honour of Saint In order to perpetuate the entrust- — b. The Gospel attributes to shall recite the Litanies to Saint Joseph, Comfort of the Sick and Saint Joseph the appellation “just ment of the whole Church to the Joseph (for the Latin tradition), or Patron of a Happy Death, faithfully man” (cf. Mt 1:19): he, guardian of powerful patronage of the Ak a t h i s t o s to Saint Joseph, in offering to God their suffering and the intimate secret that lies right at of Jesus, Pope Francis has estab- their entirety or at least some part of the hardships of their life. the bottom of the heart and soul”1, lished that, from today’s date, the it (for the Byzantine tradition), or In order to pastorally facilitate the depository of the mystery of God anniversary of the Decree of the pro- some other prayer to Saint Joseph, attainment of divine grace through clamation as well as a day sacred to and therefore an ideal patron of the proper to other liturgical traditions, the power of the Keys, this Peniten- the Blessed Immaculate Virgin and internal forum, spur us to rediscover in favour of the Church persecuted tiary prays earnestly that all priests Bride of Joseph most chaste, until 8 the value of silence, prudence and ad intra and ad extra and for the re- endowed with the appropriate fac- December 2021, a special Year of integrity in carrying out our duties. lief of all Christians who suffer any ulties may offer themselves with a Saint Joseph will be celebrated, in The virtue of justice practiced by form of persecution. willing and generous soul to the cel- which all faithful, after his example, Saint Joseph in an exemplary man- may daily reinforce their own life of ner is full adherence to divine law, ebration of the Sacrament of Pen- Saint Teresa of Ávila recognized faith in complete fulfilment of God’s which is the law of , “for it is ance and often administer Holy in Saint Joseph the protector for all will. the very mercy of God that brings Communion to the infirm. the circumstances of life: “To other All the faithful will thus have the true justice to fulfilment”2. Therefore This Decree is valid for the Year saints, the Lord seems to have given opportunity to commit themselves, those who, after the example of of Saint Joseph, notwithstanding grace to help us in some of our ne- with prayer and good works, to ob- Saint Joseph, shall fulfil a work of any disposition to the contrary. cessities. But my experience is that tain, with the help of St Joseph, corporal or spiritual work of mercy, Saint Joseph helps us in them all”5. head of the heavenly Family of Naz- will likewise be able to attain the Given in Rome, from the See of areth, comfort and relief from the gift of the Plenary Indulgence; More recently, Saint John Paul II the Apostolic Penitentiary, serious human and social tribula- — c. The primary aspect of Saint emphasized that the figure of Saint on 8 December 2020 tions that besiege the contemporary Joseph’s vocation was that of being Joseph has acquired “a renewed rel- evance for the Church of our time, CARDINAL MAU R O PIACENZA world today. guardian of the Holy Family of Major Penitentiary Nazareth, spouse of the Blessed Vir- in relation to the new Christian mil- Devotion to the Guardian of the 6 Redeemer has developed abundantly gin Mary and legal father of Jesus. lennium” . KRZYSZTOF NYKIEL in the course of the history of the In order that all Christian families To reaffirm the universality of Regent Church, which not only attributes to may be inspired to recreate the same Saint Joseph’s patronage over the L. + S. him among the loftiest worship, atmosphere of intimate communion, Church, in addition to the afore- Prot. n. 866/20/I after that of his Bride, the Mother love and prayer that was lived by mentioned occasions the Apostolic of God, but has also conferred many the Holy Family, the Plenary Indul- Penitentiary grants the Plenary In- 1 PIUS XI, Address on the occasion of patronages upon him. The Magis- gence is granted for the recitation of dulgence to the faithful who shall re- the proclamation of the heroic virtues of terium of the Church continues to the Holy Rosary in families and cite any prayer legitimately approved reveal great things, old and new, in among betrothed; or act of piety in honour of Saint the Servant of God Emilia de Vialar, this treasure that is Saint Joseph, — d. The Servant of God Pius Joseph, for example, “To you, O in ‘L'Osservatore Romano’, year L X X V XII, on 1 May 1955 instituted the Blessed Joseph”, especially on the , n. 20-21 March 1935, 1. like the householder of the Gospel 2 of Matthew “who brings out of his Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, occasions of 19 March and 1 May, . FRANCIS, General Audience, 3 Feb- treasure what is new and what is “with the intent that the dignity of on the Feast of the Holy Family of ruary 2016. 3 old” (Mt 13:52). work be recognized by all, and that Jesus, Mary and Joseph, on the . PIUS XII, Address on the occasion of The gift of the Indulgences that it inspires social life and , based Sunday of Saint Joseph (according the Solemnity of Saint Joseph the the Apostolic Penitentiary kindly be- on the fair distribution of rights and to the Byzantine tradition), on the Wo rk e r, 1 May 1955, in Discorsi e Ra- stows during the Year of Saint duties”3. Therefore the Plenary In- 19th of every month and every Wed- diomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, Joseph, through this Decree issued dulgence may be obtained by those nesday, the day dedicated to the XVII, 71-76. according to Pope Francis’ wish, will who shall daily entrust their life to Saint’s memory, according to the 4. FRANCIS, An g e l u s , 29 December contribute greatly to the perfect ac- the protection of Saint Joseph, and Latin tradition. 2013. complishment of the designated pur- all faithful who shall invoke through In the current context of the 5. TERESA D’ÁVILA, Life, VI, (trans- p ose. prayer the intercession of the Work- health emergency, the gift of the lated from Italian, in E A D., Tutte le The Plenary Indulgence is granted er of Nazareth, so that those in Plenary Indulgence extends particu- o p e re , ed. M. BETTETINI, Milan 2018, under the customary conditions (sac- search of work may find employ- larly to the elderly, the sick, the suf- 67). ramental confession, Eucharistic ment and the work of all people fering and all those who for legitim- 6. JOHN PAU L II, Apostolic Exhorta- communion and prayers according may be more dignified; ate reasons are unable to leave the tion Redemptoris Custos on the figure to the Holy Father’s intentions) to — e. The flight of the Holy Fam- house, and who with a soul de- and mission of Saint Joseph in the the faithful who, with a soul de- ily to Egypt “shows us that God is tached from any sin and with the in- life of Christ and of the Church (15 tached from any sin, shall participate there where man is in danger, where tention to fulfil, as soon as possible, August 1989), 32. number 50, Friday, 11 December 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5

APOSTOLIC LETTER

Pope Francis has marked the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church with an Apostolic Letter and to celebrate the occasion has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” f ro m 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021. The following is the English text of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter.

‘Patris Corde’ On the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church

Jesus, for he will save his people 12:34). My desire to do so increased ity over the Holy Family to devote from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As we during these months of pandemic, himself completely to them in his know, for ancient peoples, to give a when we experienced, amid the life and work. He turned his human name to a person or to a thing, as crisis, how “our lives are woven to- vocation to domestic love into a su- Adam did in the account in the gether and sustained by ordinary perhuman oblation of himself, his Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to people, people often overlooked. heart and all his abilities, a love establish a relationship. People who do not appear in news- placed at the service of the Messiah In the Temple, forty days after Je- paper and magazine headlines, or on who was growing to maturity in his 8 sus’ birth, Joseph and Mary offered the latest television show, yet in home”. their child to the Lord and listened these very days are surely shaping Thanks to his role in salvation with amazement to Simeon’s proph- the decisive events of our history. history, Saint Joseph has always ecy concerning Jesus and his Mother Doctors, nurses, storekeepers and been venerated as a father by the (cf. Lk 2:22-35). To protect Jesus supermarket workers, cleaning per- Christian people. This is shown by from Herod, Joseph dwelt as a for- sonnel, caregivers, transport workers, the countless churches dedicated to APOSTOLIC LETTER eigner in Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-18). men and women working to provide him worldwide, the numerous reli- After returning to his own country, essential services and public safety, gious Institutes, Confraternities and he led a hidden life in the tiny and volunteers, priests, men and women ecclesial groups inspired by his spir- PATRIS CORDE obscure village of Nazareth in Ga- religious, and so very many others. ituality and bearing his name, and lilee, far from Bethlehem, his ances- They understood that no one is the many traditional expressions of OF THE HO LY FAT H E R tral town, and from Jerusalem and saved alone… How many people piety in his honour. Innumerable FRANCIS the Temple. Of Nazareth it was said, daily exercise patience and offer holy men and women were passion- ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE “No prophet is to rise” (cf. Jn 7:52) hope, taking care to spread not pan- ately devoted to him. Among them PRO CLAMATION OF and indeed, “Can anything good ic, but shared responsibility. How was Teresa of Avila, who chose him SAINT JOSEPH AS PAT R O N OF THE come out of Nazareth?” (cf. Jn many fathers, mothers, grandparents as her advocate and intercessor, had UNIVERSAL CHURCH 1:46). When, during a pilgrimage to and teachers are showing our chil- frequent recourse to him and re- Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary lost dren, in small everyday ways, how to ceived whatever graces she asked of WITH A FAT H E R S ’S HE A R T: that is track of the twelve-year-old Jesus, accept and deal with a crisis by ad- him. Encouraged by her own experi- how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all they anxiously sought him out and justing their routines, looking ahead ence, Teresa persuaded others to cul- four Gospels refer to as “the son of they found him in the Temple, in and encouraging the practice of tivate devotion to Joseph.9 Joseph”.1 discussion with the doctors of the prayer. How many are praying, mak- Every prayer book contains pray- Matthew and Luke, the two Evan- Law (cf. Lk 2:41-50). ing sacrifices and interceding for the ers to Saint Joseph. Special prayers 6 gelists who speak most of Joseph, After Mary, the Mother of God, good of all”. Each of us can discov- are offered to him each Wednesday tell us very little, yet enough for us no saint is mentioned more fre- er in Joseph — the man who goes and especially during the month of to appreciate what sort of father he quently in the papal magisterium unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hid- March, which is traditionally dedic- was, and the mission entrusted to than Joseph, her spouse. My Prede- den presence — an intercessor, a sup- ated to him.10 him by God’s providence. port and a guide in times of trouble. cessors reflected on the message con- Popular trust in Saint Joseph is Saint Joseph reminds us that those We know that Joseph was a lowly tained in the limited information seen in the expression “Go to who appear hidden or in the shad- carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to handed down by the Gospels in or- Joseph”, which evokes the famine in ows can play an incomparable role Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was der to appreciate more fully his cent- Egypt, when the Egyptians begged in the history of salvation. A word a “just man” (Mt 1:19), ever ready to ral role in the history of salvation. Pharaoh for bread. He in turn of recognition and of gratitude is carry out God’s will as revealed to Blessed Pius IX declared him “Pa t - replied: “Go to Joseph; what he says due to them all. him in the Law (cf. Lk 2 : 2 2 . 2 7. 3 9 ) ron of the Catholic Church”,2 Ve n e r - to you, do” (Gen 41:55). Pharaoh was and through four dreams (cf. Mt able Pius XII proposed him as “Pa t - referring to Joseph the son of Jacob, 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tir- ron of Workers”3 and Saint John 1. A beloved father who was sold into slavery because of ing journey from Nazareth to Beth- Paul II as “Guardian of the Re- the jealousy of his brothers (cf. Gen lehem, he beheld the birth of the deemer”.4 Saint Joseph is universally The greatness of Saint Joseph is 37:11-28) and who — according to the Messiah in a stable, since “there was invoked as the “patron of a happy that he was the spouse of Mary and biblical account — subsequently be- no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk death”.5 the father of Jesus. In this way, he came viceroy of Egypt (cf. Gen 41:41- 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of Now, one hundred and fifty years placed himself, in the words of Saint 44). the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and after his proclamation as Patron of John Chrysostom, “at the service of Mt 7 As a descendant of David (cf. the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who repres- the Catholic Church by Blessed Pius the entire plan of salvation”. 1:16-20), from whose stock Jesus was ented respectively the people of Is- IX (8 December 1870), I would like Saint Paul VI pointed out that to spring according to the promise rael and the pagan peoples. to share some personal reflections on Joseph concretely expressed his fath- made to David by the prophet Joseph had the courage to be- this extraordinary figure, so close to erhood “by making his life a sacrifi- Nathan (cf. 2 Sam 7), and as the come the legal father of Jesus, to our own human experience. For, as cial service to the mystery of the in- spouse of Mary of Nazareth, Saint whom he gave the name revealed by Jesus says, “out of the abundance of carnation and its redemptive pur- the angel: “You shall call his name the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt pose. He employed his legal author- CONTINUED ON PA G E 6 page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’ on the 150th Anniversary of the

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 5 our fears, our frailties and our weak- Once again, Joseph promptly fatherho o d”and that in this way, nesses. He also teaches us that amid obeyed. “He got up, took the child “he cooperated in the fullness of Joseph stands at the crossroads the tempests of life, we must never and his mother, and went to the time in the great mystery of salva- between the Old and New Testa- be afraid to let the Lord steer our land of Israel” (Mt 2:21). tion and is truly a minister of salva- ments. course. At times, we want to be in During the return journey, “when tion.”17 complete control, yet God always Joseph heard that Archelaus was rul- sees the bigger picture. ing over Judea in place of his father 2. A tender and loving father Herod, he was afraid to go there. 4. An accepting father Joseph saw Jesus grow daily “in After being warned in a dream” — Joseph accepted Mary uncondi- wisdom and in years and in divine 3. An obedient father now for the fourth time — “he went tionally. He trusted in the angel’s and human favour” (Lk 2:52). As the As he had done with Mary, God away to the district of Galilee. There words. “The nobility of Joseph’s Lord had done with Israel, so revealed his saving plan to Joseph. he made his home in a town called heart is such that what he learned Joseph did with Jesus: “he taught He did so by using dreams, which N a z a re t h ”(Mt 2:22-23). from the law he made dependent on him to walk, taking him by the in the Bible and among all ancient The evangelist Luke, for his part, charity. Today, in our world where hand; he was for him like a father peoples, were considered a way for tells us that Joseph undertook the psychological, verbal and physical who raises an infant to his cheeks, him to make his will known.13 long and difficult journey from Naz- violence towards women is so evid- bending down to him and feeding areth to Bethlehem to be registered Joseph was deeply troubled by ent, Joseph appears as the figure of him” (cf. Hos 11:3-4). in his family’s town of origin in the Mary’s mysterious pregnancy. He a respectful and sensitive man. Even census of the Emperor Caesar Au- In Joseph, Jesus saw the tender did not want to “expose her to pub- though he does not understand the love of God: “As a father has com- 14 gustus. There Jesus was born (cf. Lk bigger picture, he makes a decision lic disgrace”, so he decided to “dis- 2: 7) and his birth, like that of every passion for his children, so the Lord miss her quietly” (Mt 1:19). to protect Mary’s good name, her has compassion for those who fear other child, was recorded in the re- dignity and her life. In his hesitation In the first dream, an angel helps him” (Ps 103:13). gistry of the Empire. Saint Luke is about how best to act, God helped him resolve his grave dilemma: “Do especially concerned to tell us that In the synagogue, during the him by enlightening his judg- not be afraid to take Mary as your Jesus’ parents observed all the pre- ment”.18 praying of the Psalms, Joseph would wife, for the child conceived in her scriptions of the Law: the rites of Often in life, things happen surely have heard again and again is from the Holy Spirit. She will the circumcision of Jesus, the puri- whose meaning we do not under- that the God of Israel is a God of bear a son, and you are to name him fication of Mary after childbirth, the tender love,11 who is good to all, stand. Our first reaction is fre- whose “compassion is over all that quently one of disappointment and he has made” (Ps 145:9). rebellion. Joseph set aside his own The history of salvation is worked ideas in order to accept the course out “in hope against hope” (Rom of events and, mysterious as they 4:18), through our weaknesses. All seemed, to embrace them, take re- too often, we think that God works sponsibility for them and make them only through our better parts, yet part of his own history. Unless we most of his plans are realized in and are reconciled with our own history, despite our frailty. Thus Saint Paul we will be unable to take a single could say: “To keep me from being step forward, for we will always re- too elated, a thorn was given me in main hostage to our expectations the flesh, a messenger of Satan to and the disappointments that follow. torment me, to keep me from being The spiritual path that Joseph too elated. Three times I appealed traces for us is not one that explains, to the Lord about this, that it would but accepts. Only as a result of this leave me, but he said to me: ‘My acceptance, this reconciliation, can grace is sufficient for you, for power we begin to glimpse a broader his- is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor tory, a deeper meaning. We can al- 12:7-9). most hear an echo of the impas- Since this is part of the entire eco- sioned reply of Job to his wife, who nomy of salvation, we must learn to had urged him to rebel against the look upon our weaknesses with evil he endured: “Shall we receive tender mercy.12 the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” (Job 2:10). The Evil one makes us see and condemn our frailty, whereas the Joseph is certainly not passively resigned, but courageously and Spirit brings it to light with tender A traditional depiction of the Holy Family (Wikicommons) love. Tenderness is the best way to firmly proactive. In our own lives, touch the frailty within us. Pointing acceptance and welcome can be an fingers and judging others are fre- Jesus, for he will save his people offering of the firstborn to God (cf. expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift quently signs of an inability to ac- from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21). 2:21-24).15 of fortitude. Only the Lord can give us the strength needed to accept life cept our own weaknesses, our own Joseph’s response was immediate: In every situation, Joseph de- frailty. Only tender love will save us “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he as it is, with all its contradictions, clared his own “fiat”, like those of frustrations and disappointments. from the snares of the accuser (cf. did as the angel of the Lord com- Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus Rev 12:10). That is why it is so im- manded him” (Mt 1:24). Obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus’ appearance in our midst is portant to encounter God’s mercy, made it possible for him to sur- a gift from the Father, which makes In his role as the head of a family, especially in the Sacrament of Re- mount his difficulties and spare it possible for each of us to be re- conciliation, where we experience his M a r y. Joseph taught Jesus to be obedient conciled to the flesh of our own his- to his parents (cf. Lk 2:51), in ac- truth and tenderness. Paradoxically, In the second dream, the angel tory, even when we fail to under- the Evil one can also speak the truth cordance with God’s command (cf. stand it completely. tells Joseph: “Get up, take the child Ex 20:12). to us, yet he does so only to con- and his mother, and flee to Egypt, Just as God told Joseph: “Son of demn us. We know that God’s truth and remain there until I tell you; for During the hidden years in Naz- David, do not be afraid!” (Mt 1:20), does not condemn, but instead wel- Herod is about to search for the areth, Jesus learned at the school of so he seems to tell us: “Do not be comes, embraces, sustains and for- child, to destroy him” (Mt 2:13). Joseph to do the will of the Father. afraid!” We need to set aside all an- gives us. That truth always presents Joseph did not hesitate to obey, re- That will was to be his daily food ger and disappointment, and to em- itself to us like the merciful father in gardless of the hardship involved: (cf. Jn 4:34). Even at the most diffi- brace the way things are, even when Jesus’ parable (cf. Lk 15:11-32). It “He got up, took the child and his cult moment of his life, in Gethse- they do not turn out as we wish. comes out to meet us, restores our mother by night, and went to Egypt, mane, Jesus chose to do the Father’s 16 Not with mere resignation but with dignity, sets us back on our feet and and remained there until the death will rather than his own, b ecoming hope and courage. In this way, we rejoices for us, for, as the father says: of Herod” (Mt 2:14-15). “obedient unto death, even death on become open to a deeper meaning. “This my son was dead and is alive In Egypt, Joseph awaited with pa- a cross” (Phil 2:8). The author of Our lives can be miraculously re- again; he was lost and is found” ( v. tient trust the angel’s notice that he the Letter to the Hebrews thus con- born if we find the courage to live 24). could safely return home. In a third cludes that Jesus “learned obedience them in accordance with the Gospel. Even through Joseph’s fears, dream, the angel told him that those through what he suffered” (5:8). It does not matter if everything Go d’swill, his history and his plan who sought to kill the child were All this makes it clear that “Saint seems to have gone wrong or some were at work. Joseph, then, teaches dead and ordered him to rise, take Joseph was called by God to serve things can no longer be fixed. God us that faith in God includes believ- the child and his mother, and return the person and mission of Jesus dir- ing that he can work even through to the land of Israel (cf. Mt 2:19-20). ectly through the exercise of his CONTINUED ON PA G E 7 number 50, Friday, 11 December 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 news” of the Gospel consists in showing that, for all the arrogance can make flowers spring up from and violence of worldly powers, stony ground. Even if our heart con- God always finds a way to carry out demns us, “God is greater than our his saving plan. So too, our lives hearts, and he knows everything” may at times seem to be at the (1 Jn 3:20). mercy of the powerful, but the Gos- Here, once again, we encounter pel shows us what counts. God al- that Christian realism which rejects ways finds a way to save us, nothing that exists. Reality, in its provided we show the same creative mysterious and irreducible complex- courage as the carpenter of Naz- ity, is the bearer of existential mean- areth, who was able to turn a prob- ing, with all its lights and shadows. lem into a possibility by trusting al- Thus, the Apostle Paul can say: “We ways in divine providence. know that all things work together If at times God seems not to help for good, for those who love God” us, surely this does not mean that (Rom 8:28). To which Saint Au- we have been abandoned, but in- gustine adds, “even that which is stead are being trusted to plan, to called evil (etiam illud quod malum be creative, and to find solutions dicitur)”.19 In this greater perspect- ourselves. ive, faith gives meaning to every That kind of creative courage was event, however happy or sad. shown by the friends of the paralyt- Nor should we ever think that be- ic, who lowered him from the roof lieving means finding facile and in order to bring him to Jesus (cf. comforting solutions. The faith Lk 5:17-26). Difficulties did not Guardian of the Church, for the Work is a means of participating Christ taught us is what we see in stand in the way of those friends’ Church is the continuation of the in the work of salvation, an oppor- Saint Joseph. He did not look for boldness and persistence. They were Body of Christ in history, even as tunity to hasten the coming of the shortcuts, but confronted reality convinced that Jesus could heal the Mary’s motherhood is reflected in Kingdom, to develop our talents with open eyes and accepted person- man, and “finding no way to bring the motherhood of the Church.23 In and abilities, and to put them at the al responsibility for it. him in because of the crowd, they his continued protection of the service of society and fraternal com- went up on the roof and let him Joseph’s attitude encourages us to Church, Joseph continues to protect munion. It becomes an opportunity accept and welcome others as they down with his bed through the tiles the child and his mother, and we too, for the fulfilment not only of one- are, without exception, and to show into the middle of the crowd in by our love for the Church, continue self, but also of that primary cell of special concern for the weak, for front of Jesus. When he saw their to love the child and his mother. society which is the family. A family God chooses what is weak (cf. 1 Cor faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are without work is particularly vulner- That child would go on to say: 1:27). He is the “Father of orphans forgiven you’” (vv. 19-20). Jesus re- able to difficulties, tensions, es- and protector of widows” (Ps 68:6), cognized the creative faith with “As you did it to one of the least of trangement and even break-up. How who commands us to love the which they sought to bring their sick these who are members of my fam- can we speak of human dignity 20 stranger in our midst. I like to friend to him. ily, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). without working to ensure that think that it was from Saint Joseph The Gospel does not tell us how Consequently, every poor, needy, everyone is able to earn a decent liv- that Jesus drew inspiration for the long Mary, Joseph and the child re- suffering or dying person, every ing? parable of the prodigal son and the stranger, every prisoner, every infirm mained in Egypt. Yet they certainly Working persons, whatever their merciful father (cf. Lk 15:11-32). person is “the child” whom Joseph needed to eat, to find a home and job may be, are cooperating with continues to protect. For this reason, employment. It does not take much God himself, and in some way be- imagination to fill in those details. Saint Joseph is invoked as protector 5. A creatively courageous father come creators of the world around The Holy Family had to face con- of the unfortunate, the needy, exiles, us. The crisis of our time, which is If the first stage of all true interior crete problems like every other fam- the afflicted, the poor and the dy- economic, social, cultural and spir- healing is to accept our personal his- ily, like so many of our migrant ing. Consequently, the Church can- itual, can serve as a summons for all tory and embrace even the things in brothers and sisters who, today too, not fail to show a special love for of us to rediscover the value, the im- life that we did not choose, we must risk their lives to escape misfortune the least of our brothers and sisters, portance and necessity of work for now add another important element: and hunger. In this regard, I con- for Jesus showed a particular con- bringing about a new “normal” f ro m creative courage. This emerges espe- sider Saint Joseph the special patron cern for them and personally identi- which no one is excluded. Saint cially in the way we deal with diffi- of all those forced to leave their nat- fied with them. From Saint Joseph, Joseph’s work reminds us that God culties. In the face of difficulty, we ive lands because of war, hatred, we must learn that same care and re- himself, in becoming man, did not can either give up and walk away, or persecution and poverty. sponsibility. We must learn to love disdain work. The loss of employ- somehow engage with it. At times, At the end of every account in the child and his mother, to love the ment that affects so many of our difficulties bring out resources we which Joseph plays a role, the Gos- sacraments and charity, to love the brothers and sisters, and has in- did not even think we had. pel tells us that he gets up, takes the Church and the poor. Each of these creased as a result of the Covid-19 As we read the infancy narratives, child and his mother, and does what realities is always the child and his pandemic, should serve as a sum- we may often wonder why God did God commanded him (cf. Mt 1:24; m o t h e r. mons to review our priorities. Let us not act in a more direct and clear 2:14.21). Indeed, Jesus and Mary his implore Saint Joseph the Worker to way. Yet God acts through events Mother are the most precious treas- help us find ways to express our 21 and people. Joseph was the man ure of our faith. 6. A working father firm conviction that no young per- chosen by God to guide the begin- In the divine plan of salvation, An aspect of Saint Joseph that son, no person at all, no family nings of the history of redemption. the Son is inseparable from his has been emphasized from the time should be without work! He was the true “miracle” by which Mother, from Mary, who “advanced of the first social , Pope God saves the child and his mother. in her pilgrimage of faith, and faith- Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, is his God acted by trusting in Joseph’s fully persevered in her union with 7. A father in the shadows relation to work. Saint Joseph was a creative courage. Arriving in Bethle- her Son until she stood at the carpenter who earned an honest liv- The Polish writer Jan Do- hem and finding no lodging where c ro s s ”.22 ing to provide for his family. From braczyński, in his book The Shadow Mary could give birth, Joseph took 24 We should always consider wheth- him, Jesus learned the value, the of the Father, tells the story of Saint a stable and, as best he could, er we ourselves are protecting Jesus Joseph’s life in the form of a novel. turned it into a welcoming home for dignity and the joy of what it means and Mary, for they are also mysteri- to eat bread that is the fruit of one’s He uses the evocative image of a the Son of God come into the world ously entrusted to our own respons- own labour. shadow to define Joseph. In his rela- (cf. Lk 2:6-7). Faced with imminent ibility, care and safekeeping. The tionship to Jesus, Joseph was the danger from Herod, who wanted to Son of the Almighty came into our In our own day, when employ- earthly shadow of the heavenly Fath- kill the child, Joseph was warned world in a state of great vulnerabil- ment has once more become a burn- er: he watched over him and protec- once again in a dream to protect the ity. He needed to be defended, pro- ing social issue, and unemployment ted him, never leaving him to go his child, and rose in the middle of the tected, cared for and raised by at times reaches record levels even in own way. We can think of ’ night to prepare the flight into Joseph. God trusted Joseph, as did nations that for decades have en- words to Israel: “In the wilderness… Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-14). Mary, who found in him someone joyed a certain degree of prosperity, you saw how the Lord your God A superficial reading of these stor- who would not only save her life, there is a renewed need to appreci- carried you, just as one carries a ies can often give the impression but would always provide for her ate the importance of dignified child, all the way that you travelled” that the world is at the mercy of the and her child. In this sense, Saint work, of which Saint Joseph is an strong and mighty, but the “go o d Joseph could not be other than the exemplary patron. CONTINUED ON PA G E 8 page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 7 Joseph found happiness not in When fathers refuse to live the ham26 and Moses27, and like Jesus, mere self-sacrifice but in self-gift. In lives of their children for them, new the “one mediator” (1 Tim 2:5), who (Deut 1:31). In a similar way, Joseph him, we never see frustration but and unexpected vistas open up. is our “advo cate”with the Father (1 acted as a father for his whole life.25 only trust. His patient silence was Every child is the bearer of a unique Jn 2:1) and who “always lives to Fathers are not born, but made. A the prelude to concrete expressions mystery that can only be brought to make intercession for [us]” (Heb man does not become a father of trust. Our world today needs light with the help of a father who 7:25; cf. Rom 8:34). simply by bringing a child into the fathers. It has no use for tyrants respects that child’s freedom. A fath- The saints help all the faithful “to world, but by taking up the respons- who would domineer others as a er who realizes that he is most a strive for the holiness and the per- ibility to care for that child. means of compensating for their father and educator at the point fection of their particular state of Whenever a man accepts responsib- own needs. It rejects those who con- when he becomes “useless”, when he life”.28 Their lives are concrete proof ility for the life of another, in some fuse authority with authoritarianism, sees that his child has become inde- that it is possible to put the Gospel way he becomes a father to that per- service with servility, discussion with pendent and can walk the paths of into practice. son. oppression, charity with a welfare life unaccompanied. When he be- Jesus told us: “Learn from me, for comes like Joseph, who always knew Children today often seem mentality, power with destruction. I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt that his child was not his own but orphans, lacking fathers. The Every true vocation is born of the 11:29). The lives of the saints too are had merely been entrusted to his Church too needs fathers. Saint gift of oneself, which is the fruit of examples to be imitated. Saint Paul care. In the end, this is what Jesus Pa u l ’s words to the Corinthians re- mature sacrifice. The priesthood and explicitly says this: “Be imitators of would have us understand when he 29 main timely: “Though you have likewise require this me!” (1 Cor 4:16). By his eloquent says: “Call no man your father on countless guides in Christ, you do kind of maturity. Whatever our vo- silence, Saint Joseph says the same. earth, for you have one Father, who not have many fathers” (1 Cor 4:15). cation, whether to marriage, celibacy Before the example of so many is in heaven” (Mt 23:9). Every priest or bishop should be or virginity, our gift of self will not holy men and women, Saint Au- able to add, with the Apostle: “I be- come to fulfilment if it stops at sac- In every exercise of our father- gustine asked himself: “What they came your father in Christ Jesus rifice; were that the case, instead of hood, we should always keep in could do, can you not also do?” through the Gospel” (ibid.). Paul becoming a sign of the beauty and mind that it has nothing to do with And so he drew closer to his definit- likewise calls the Galatians: “My joy of love, the gift of self would possession, but is rather a “sign” ive conversion, when he could ex- little children, with whom I am risk being an expression of unhappi- pointing to a greater fatherhood. In claim: “Late have I loved you, again in travail until Christ be ness, sadness and frustration. a way, we are all like Joseph: a shad- Beauty ever ancient, ever new!”30 formed in you!” (4:19). ow of the heavenly We need only ask Saint Joseph Father, who “makes Being a father entails introducing for the grace of graces: our conver- his sun rise on the evil children to life and reality. Not sion. and on the good, and holding them back, being overpro- sends rain on the just Let us now make our prayer to tective or possessive, but rather mak- and on the unjust” him: ing them capable of deciding for (Mt 5:45). And a Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, themselves, enjoying freedom and shadow that follows exploring new possibilities. Perhaps his Son. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. for this reason, Joseph is tradition- To you God entrusted his only Son; ally called a “most chaste” f a t h e r. in you Mary placed her trust; That is not simply a sign of af- *** fection, but the summation of an at- with you Christ became man. titude that is the opposite of pos- “Get up, take the Blessed Joseph, to us too, sessiveness. Chastity is freedom from child and his mother” show yourself a father (Mt 2:13), God told possessiveness in every sphere of and guide us in the path of life. one’s life. Only when love is chaste, Saint Joseph. Obtain for us grace, mercy and cour- is it truly love. A possessive love ul- The aim of this age, timately becomes dangerous: it im- Apostolic Letter is to prisons, constricts and makes for increase our love for and defend us from every evil. misery. God himself loved humanity this great saint, to en- Am e n . with a chaste love; he left us free courage us to implore even to go astray and set ourselves his intercession and to Given in Rome, at Saint John against him. The logic of love is al- imitate his virtues and Lateran, on 8 December, ways the logic of freedom, and his zeal. Solemnity of the Immaculate Joseph knew how to love with ex- Indeed, the proper Conception of the Blessed Virgin traordinary freedom. He never made mission of the saints is Mary, in the year 2020, himself the centre of things. He did not only to obtain the eighth of my Pontificate. not think of himself, but focused in- miracles and graces, stead on the lives of Mary and Je- but to intercede for us sus. ‘Saint Joseph with the Infant Jesus’ by Guido Reni c. 1635 before God, like Abra-

1 Lk 4:22; Jn 6:42; cf. Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3. of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protec- 19 Enchiridion de fide, spe et caritate, 3.11: PL 40, 2 S. RITUUM CO N G R E G AT I O, Quemadmodum tion the serious and troubling situations that I 236. commend to you, that they may have a happy Deus (8 December 1870): ASS 6 (1870-71), 194. 20 Cf. Deut 10:19; Ex 22:20-22; Lk 10:29-37. 3 outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in Cf. Address to ACLI on the Solemnity of Saint you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, 21 Cf. S. RITUUM CO N G R E G AT I O, Quemadmodum Joseph the Worker (1 May 1955): AAS 47 (1955), and since you can do everything with Jesus and Deus (8 December 1870): ASS 6 (1870-1871), 193; 406. Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as BLESSED PIUS IX, Apostolic Letter Inclytum Patri- 4 Cf. Redemptoris Custos (15 your power. Amen.” a rc h a m (7 July 1871): l.c., 324-327. August 1989): AAS 82 (1990), 5-34. 11 Cf. Deut 4:31; Ps 69:16; 78:38; 86:5; 111:4; 116:5; 22 5 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1014. Jer 31:20. SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dog- matic Constitution on the Church Lumen Genti- 6 Meditation in the Time of Pandemic (27 March 12 Cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium um, 58. 2020): L’Osservatore Romano, 29 March 2020, p. (24 November 2013), 88, 288: AAS 105 (2013), 10. 1057, 1136-1137. 23 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 963-970. 13 7 In Matthaeum Homiliae, V, 3: PG 57, 58. Cf. Gen 20:3; 28:12; 31:11.24; 40:8; 41:1-32; Num 24 Original edition: Cień Ojca, Warsaw, 1977. 12:6; 1 Sam 3:3-10; Dan 2, 4; Job 33:15. 8 25 Homily (19 March 1966): Insegnamenti di Paolo 14 Cf. SAINT JOHN PAU L II, Apostolic Exhortation VI, IV (1966), 110. In such cases, provisions were made even for stoning (cf. Deut 22:20-21). Redemptoris Custos, 7-8: AAS 82 (1990), 12-16. 9 Cf. Au t o b i o g ra p h y, 6, 6-8. 26 15 Cf. Lev 12:1-8; Ex 13:2. Cf. Gen 18:23-32. 10 Every day, for over forty years, following Lauds 16 Cf. Mt 26:39; Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42. 27 Cf. Ex 17:8-13; 32:30-35. I have recited a prayer to Saint Joseph taken from 17 a nineteenth-century French prayer book of the SAINT JOHN PAU L II, Apostolic Exhortation Re- 28 SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dog- Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. It demptoris Custos (15 August 1989), 8: AAS 82 matic Constitution , 42. (1990), 14. expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a 29 Cf. 1 Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:6. certain challenge to Saint Joseph: “Glorious Patri- 18 Homily at Mass and Beatifications, Villavicencio, arch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the im- Colombia (8 September 2017): AAS 109 (2017), 30 Confessions, VIII, 11, 27: PL 32, 761; X, 27, 38: PL possible possible, come to my aid in these times 1061. 32, 795. number 50, Friday, 11 December 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 9 Ten new Ambassadors Biographies of the new diplomats accredited to the Holy See

(2010–2012); division head and faires, Embassy in Spain JORDAN Deputy Director of the Department (2017–2018); Ambassador to Spain of Cooperation, Asia Section, M FA (since 2018) Permanent Representat- (2012–2015); Ambassador to Switzer- ive at the WTO (since June 2019). land (since 2019).

MADAGASCAR ZAMBIA

advisor for teaching the President of the University of Nouakchott (2007–2009); Secretary General of the University of Nouakchott H.E. Mr Makram Queisi, 50, was (2009); Minister of secondary and born in Amman, Jordan. He is mar- superior education of Mauritania ried and has three children. He (2009–2011); Minister of State for holds a degree in information tech- national education (2011–2013); Dir- nology and a master’s in diplomacy. ector of the Cabinet of the President He has served as: at the of- of the Islamic Republic of Maurit- fice of the Royal Court Chief, Am- ania (2013–2019); Ambassador to man (1993-1994); director of the of- France (since 2019) H.E. Mr Olivier Hugues Rija Ra- fice of HRH Crown Prince Abdullah H.E. Mr Paul Mihova, 63, was born johnson, 74, is married and has four Bin Al Hussein, Amman (1994–1996); in the district of Chavuma, Zambia. children. His fields of study in- deputy chief of Royal Protocol, Am- He is married and has seven chil- cluded business administration, for- man (1996–2005); chief of Protocol, dren. He entered military service in eign trade and transport economics. with the rank of Ambassador at the 1979, continuing his studies UZ B E K I S TA N He has served in the administrative Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout a distinguished career in and financial sector at La Ciotat (2005–2007); Ambassador to Austria which he was promoted through the Shipyards, France (1973–1976) and and Permanent Representative at the ranks and served in various posi- as: department director at Tranom- United Nations Office and Special- tions: promoted to lieutenant (1982); barotra R O S O, Marseilles, France; at- ized Agencies in Vienna (2007–July promoted to captain (1984); pro- taché at the the general directorate 2013); Ambassador to France and to moted to major (1988); served as of Star (1980–1987); permanent ad- the Holy See (2013– June 2018); Min- military observer in Baghdad, Iraq, visor at the Prime Minister’s office ister for Youth (2018); Ambassador to for the United Nations Iran-Iraq (1987–1989); general director of in- France (since 2019). Monitoring Observer Group (UNII- dustry at the Ministry of Industrial- MO G) (1989); promoted to lieutenant ization and Tourism (1990–1991); colonel (1995); served as military as- Minister of waters and forests sistant to the deputy commander of (1997–2002); worker in the econom- the Army and chief of staff (1995); ics sector and founder of various A Z A K H S TA N served as military assistant to the companies (in packaging, fruit ex- K port and tourism) (2003–2011); Cent- commander of the Army (2002- ral Bank administrator, representat- 2006); promoted to colonel (2003); ive of the presidency (2012–2014); served as military attaché at the Em- H.E. Mr Jakhongir Ganiev, 65, was director of the cabinet to the presid- born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. He is bassy in South Africa (2009); pro- ential transition (2011–2014); Ambas- married and has three children. He moted to Brigadier General (2010); sador to France (since 2019). promoted to Lieutenant General completed studies in biology and (2011); promoted to Commander of diplomacy. He has served as: engin- the Army (2011-2018). Since 2019 he eer, chief specialist for the state fish- has served as High Commissioner in eries committee of the Republic of the UK and Ambassador to Ireland. Uzbekistan (1982–1989); engineer for Uzagrapromservice (1989–1992); ESTONIA deputy director of the Tashkent In- ternational Trade Company (1992–1993); first secretary of the De- partment of the Americas, Ministry MAU R I TA N I A of Foreign Affairs (M FA ) (1993); first secretary, Embassy in the United H.E. Mr Alibek Bakayev, 39, was States (1993–1994); first secretary of born in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He is H.E. Mr Ahmed Ould Bahiya, 58, the Department of European Coun- married and has three children. He was born in Atar, Mauritania. He is tries, M FA (1994–1995); first secretary, holds a degree in international rela- married and has five children. He Embassy in Great Britain (1995); tions and world languages and com- holds a doctorate in mathematical first secretary, Embassy in Austria pleted a programme at the National sciences. He has served as: lecturer (1995-1997); assistant in the Depart- School of Public Policy of the (1989–1996); qualified professor ment for Inter-parliamentary Co- Academy of State Governance. He (1996–2003); university professor operation, Secretariat of the Oliy has served as: expert at the Depart- (since 2003); coordinator of the Majlis of the Republic (1997–2003); ment for Europe and America, Min- mathematics programme of the In- first secretary of the Department for the United Nations and Internation- istry of Foreign Affairs (M FA ) (2004); stitut supérieur scientifique, Nouak- al Organizations, M FA (2003–2004); H.E. Ms Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk, attaché, third secretary at the em- chott (1991– 1995); coordinator of the interim chief of the Department of 45, was born in Tallinn. She is mar- mathematics-physics programme of bassy in Germany; counsellor at the Budgeting and Strategic Planning, ried and has one child. She holds a Ministry of Economy and Budget the of sciences and techno- Directorate for Analysis and degree in public administration and Planning (2008-2009); Director logy (FST) of the University of Nou- Strategy of Foreign Policy activities political science as well as a master’s General of the Department of Inter- akchott (1995 -1998); head of the de- of the M FA (2005–2007); Ambassador degree. She has served as: internal national Relations, Ministry of Eco- partment of mathematics and in- to Italy (2007-2012); division head of , Ministry of Foreign Affairs nomic Development and Trade formation technology, FST (1998– the Department for Cooperation (M FA ) 1997–1998); advisor to the Sec- (MEDT) (2009-2010); Director Gener- 2002); technical advisor for projects with Asia and Pacific Countries, M FA retary General, M FA (1998–2001); al of the Department of Strategic of the Rector of the University of (2012–2017); adviser for Commerce Planning and Analysis, MEDT Nouakchott (2002-2004); technical and Economic Issues, Chargé d’af- CONTINUED ON PA G E 10 page 10 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

Pope Francis’ address for the Presentation of Letters of Credential by the Ambassadors

A universal aspiration to fraternity

On Friday, 4 December, the Holy Father received in ence and terrorism in different parts of our world. Holy See in the international community stands audience the new Ambassadors from Jordan, Economic crises are causing hunger and mass mi- at the service of the global common good, by Kazakhstan, Zambia, Mauritania, Uzbekistan, gration, while climate change is increasing the drawing attention to the anthropological, ethical Madagascar, Estonia, Rwanda, Denmark and risk of natural disasters, famine and drought. In- and religious aspects of the various questions that India, who presented their Letters of Credence by deed, the pandemic is aggravating the inequalities affect the lives of individuals, peoples and entire which they are accredited to the Holy See. The already present in our societies; as the poor and nations. following is the English text of his address. the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters It is my hope that your diplomatic activity as risk being neglected, excluded and forgotten. The representatives of your nations to the Holy See Your Excellencies, crisis has made us realize “that we are on the will foster the “culture of encounter” (Fra t e l l i It is a pleasure for me to receive you for the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at Tu t t i , 215) needed to transcend the differences and presentation of the Letters accrediting you as Am- the same time important and needed, all of us divisions that so often stand in the way of realiz- bassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of called to row together, each of us in need of com- ing the high ideals and goals proposed by the in- your countries to the Holy See: Jordan, Kazakh- forting the other” (Extraordinary Moment of Pray- ternational community. Each of us is invited, in stan, Zambia, Mauritania, Uzbekistan, Madagas- e r, 27 March 2020). fact, to work daily for the building of an ever car, Estonia, Rwanda, Denmark and India. I Today, perhaps more than ever, our increasingly more just, fraternal and united world. would ask you to convey my sentiments of esteem globalized world urgently demands sincere and Dear Ambassadors, as you now undertake your to your respective Heads of State, together with respectful dialogue and cooperation capable of the assurance of my prayers for them and for uniting us in confronting the grave threats facing mission to the Holy See, I offer you my prayerful your fellow citizens. our planet and mortgaging the future of younger good wishes and I assure of you of the constant You are beginning your mission at a time of generations. In my recent Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, readiness of the various offices of the Holy See to great challenge facing the entire human family. I expressed my desire that “in this our time, by assist you in the fulfilment of your responsibilit- Even before the outbreak of Covid-19, it was clear acknowledging the dignity of each human person, ies. Upon you and your families, your collaborat- that 2020 was going to be a year marked by ur- we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal as- ors and all your fellow citizens, I cordially invoke gent humanitarian needs, due to conflicts, viol- piration to fraternity” (n. 8). The presence of the abundant divine blessings. Thank you!

Biographies

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 9 ter’s in development. She has served master’s in business administration. as: assistant lecturer at the econom- He has served as: third, then second third secretary, Representation of Es- ics faculty of the National University secretary of the General Consulate tonia to the United Nations, New of Rwanda in Huye (2000–2005); in Hong Kong (1991-1993); second, York 2000 Millennium Summit; Visiting Assistant Lecturer in devel- then first secretary of the Embassy Consul in New York (2002–2004); opment sciences at the Catholic in China (1993-1996); Assistant High director of the Policy Division for University of Kabgayi, Muhanga, Commissioner in Bangladesh (1996- personnel abroad, M FA (2004–2008); Rwanda (2003-2004); head of the 1999); deputy secretary of the Office first secretary, Embassy in France department of applied statistics at of the Prime Minister (1999-2002); (2008–2011); director for Russia, the economics faculty of the Nation- first secretary and advisor of the Per- Eastern Europe and Central Asia, al University of Rwanda in Huye manent Mission to the United Na- M FA (2011–2014); Ambassador to (2005–2008); capacity building ex- tions in New York (2002-2006); Italy, Malta and San Marino pert at the Rwandan Association of Counsellor at the embassy in Egypt (2014–2020); Ambassador to Croatia Local Government Authorities (2006-2008); deputy head of mission and Slovenia (2015–2017). in China (2008-2010), and in Nepal (RALGA) (2008–2011); Deputy Secret- Egypt (2004-2005); head of ESDP (2010-2014); Chief of Protocol of the ary General at RALGA (2011–2013); section of the Department for Secur- United Nations Coordination Ana- ity Policy at the M FA (2005-2006); lyst at the United Nations Develop- deputy director of the executive sec- ment Programme (UNDP), mayor of retariat at the M FA (2006-2008); offi- RWA N D A Kigali (2018– 2019); Ambassador to cial of the Danish Security and In- Switzerland and Permanent Repres- telligence Service in Copenhagen entative to the UN Offices in Geneva (2008-2009); deputy head of mis- and to the World Trade Organiza- sion, Embassy in Italy (2009-2013); tion (since 2019). deputy director of the Department for Asia and Latin America at the M FA (2013-2015); director of the De- partment for Security at the M FA (2015-2016); director of the Depart- ENMARK ment for Security and Real Estate at D the M FA (2016). H.E. Mr Odd Sinding, 49, was born in Gentofte, Denmark. He is mar- ried and has three children. He Ministry of Foreign Affairs (M FA ) holds a master’s degree in political (2014-2016); head of the southern di- science. He has served as: section INDIA vision of the M FA (2016-2017); Am- H.E. Ms Marie Chantal Rwakazina, head, Ministry of Foreign Affairs bassador to the Philippines (2017- 47, was born in Burundi. She is mar- (M FA ) (1998-2002); first secretary, H.E. Mr Jaideep Mazumdar, 55, is 2020); Ambassador to Austria and ried and has two children. She holds Embassy in Egypt (2002-2004); married and has two children. He to the International Organizations a degree in economics and a mas- deputy head of mission, Embassy in holds a degree in economics and a in Vienna (since 2020). number 50, Friday, 11 December 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 11

ANGELUS

At the end of the Angelus on Sunday, 6 December, the Holy Father underscored the importance of Christmas trees and Nativity scenes as “signs of hope”, at the same time inviting the faithful to focus on the meaning behind the symbolism. Earlier he had reflected on the day’s Gospel Reading, addressing the theme of conversion. The following is a translation of his words which he offered in Italian.

Pope Francis describes the Nativity scene and the Christmas tree as signs of hop e No pandemic can halt the light of Christmas

Dear Brothers and Sisters, life forever. To exclude sin it is stancy, discouragement, malice, so much, like the Good Shep- Good morning! also necessary to reject everything unwholesome environments, bad herd, who searches for the last that is connected to it; the things This Sunday’s Gospel passage examples. At times the yearning member of his flock. It is love, (Mk 1:1-8) introduces the person that are connected to sin and we feel toward the Lord is too and this is conversion: a grace of and work of John the Baptist. He thus, we have to reject: a worldly weak and it almost seems that God. Begin to walk, because it is reveals to his contemporaries an mentality, excessive esteem for God is silent; his promises of he who moves you to walk, and itinerary of faith similar to the comforts, excessive esteem for consolation seem far away and you will see how he will arrive. one that Advent proposes to us, pleasure, for well-being, for unreal to us, like the image of the Pray, walk, and you will always who are preparing ourselves to re- wealth. The example of this de- caring and attentive shepherd, take a step forward. ceive the Lord at Christmas. This tachment comes to us once again which resounds today in the read- May Mary Most Holy, whom itinerary of faith is an itinerary of from today’s Gospel in the per- ing from Isaiah (cf. 40:1, 11). And we will celebrate the day after to- c o n v e rs i o n . What does the word son of John the Baptist: an aus- so one is tempted to say that it is morrow as the Immaculate Con- ‘conversion’ mean? In the Bible it tere man who renounces excess impossible to truly convert. How ception, help us to separate means, first and foremost, to and seeks the essential. This is often we have heard this discour- ourselves more and more from sin change direction and orientation; the first aspect of conversion: de- agement! “No, I can’t do it. I and worldliness, in order to open and thus also to change one’s tachment from sin and worldliness: barely start and then I turn ourselves to God, to his Word, to way of thinking. In the moral and commencing a journey of detach- back”. And this is bad. But it is his love which restores and saves. ment from these things. possible. It is possible. When you spiritual life, to convert means to After the Angelus, the Holy Fath- have this discouraging thought, turn oneself from evil to good, The other aspect of conversion er continued: from sin to love of God. And this is the aim of the journey, that is, do not remain there, because this is what the Baptist was teaching, the search for God and his king- is quicksand. It is quicksand: the Dear brothers and sisters, I who in the desert of Judea was dom. Detachment from worldly quicksand of a mediocre exist- wholeheartedly greet all of you “preaching a baptism of repent- things and seeking God and his ence. This is mediocrity. What present here — with this bad ance for the forgiveness of sins” kingdom. Abandoning comforts can we do in these cases, when weather, you are courageous — (v. 4). Receiving baptism was an and a worldly mentality is not an one would like to go but feels he people of Rome and pilgrims, outward and visible sign of the end in itself; it is not an ascesis or she cannot do it? First of all, and those who are connected conversion of those who had only to do penance: a Christian is remind ourselves that conversion through the media. listened to his preaching and de- not a “fakir”. It is something else. is a grace: no one can convert by As you see, the Christmas tree cided to repent. That baptism oc- Detachment is not an end in it- his or own strength. It is a grace has been raised in the Square and curred with immersion in the self, but is a means of attaining that the Lord gives you, and thus the Nativity scene is being set up. Jordan, in water, but it proved something greater, namely, the we need to forcefully ask God for In these days, these two signs of useless; it was only a sign and it Kingdom of God, communion it. To ask God to convert us, that Christmas are being prepared also was useless if there was no will- with God, friendship with God. we can truly convert, to the de- in many homes, to the delight of ingness to repent and change But this is not easy, because there gree in which we open ourselves children … and adults too! They one’s life. are many ties that bind us closely up to the beauty, the goodness, are signs of hope, especially in Conversion involves suffering to sin; and it is not easy.... the tenderness of God. Think this difficult time. Let us be sure for sins committed, the desire to Temptation always pulls down, about God’s tenderness. God is we do not stop with the sign, but be free from them, the intention pulls down, and thus, the ties not a bad father, an unkind fath- get to the meaning, that is, to to exclude them from one’s own that keep us close to sin: incon- er, no. He is tender. He loves us Jesus, to the love of God that he revealed to us; get to the infinite goodness that he made shine on the world. There is no pandemic, there is no crisis that can extin- guish this light. Let us allow it to enter our heart, and let us lend a hand to those who need it most. In this way God will be born anew in us and in our midst. I wish everyone a happy Sunday. Please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. Ar r i v e d e rc i ! [Responding to the cheers from the Square]. Those of the Immaculate are good! page 12 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 11 December 2020, number 50

ANGELUS

At the Angelus on Tuesday, 8 December, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Pope Francis invited the faithful to offer “our Mother the flowers that she enjoys the most: prayer, penance, a heart open to grace”. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words which he shared with the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The flowers most pleasing to Mary Prayer, penance and an open heart

Dear Brothers and Sisters, him before the foundation of the on this earth will be the first in ship with us, in communion, to Good morning! world, that we should be holy heaven (cf. Mk 10:31). give us salvation. and blameless before him” (v. 4); To day’s liturgical feast celebrates But be careful. It does not pay And this, for us, is the path for one of the wonders of the history he predestined us (cf. v. 5), in to be clever — to continually becoming “holy and immaculate”. of salvation: the Immaculate Christ to be totally free from sin postpone a serious evaluation of The uncontaminated beauty of Conception of the Virgin Mary. one day. And this is the grace, it one’s own life, taking advantage our Mother is incomparable, but Even she was saved by Christ, is free, it is a gift of God. of the Lord’s patience. He is pa- at the same time it attracts us. Let but in an extraordinary way, be- And what Mary had from the tient. He waits for us. He is al- us entrust ourselves to her and cause God wanted that the moth- beginning, will be ours in the ways ready to give us grace. We say “no” to sin and “yes” to er of his Son not be touched by end, after we have passed may be able to deceive people, Grace once and for all. the misery of sin from the mo- through the purifying “bath” of but not God; he knows our ment of conception. And thus, Go d’s grace. What opens the hearts better than we do After the Angelus, the Holy Father for the entire course of her gates of paradise to us is God’s ourselves. Let us take advantage continued: earthly life, Mary was free from grace, received by us with faith- of the present moment! This, yes, is the Christian sense of seizing Dear brothers and sisters, I any stain of sin, she was “full of fulness. All the saints walked this the day. Not to enjoy life in each greet all of you, the faithful from grace” (Lk 1:28), as the angel path. Even the most innocent passing moment — no, this is the Rome, and pilgrims from various called her. She was favoured by a were, nevertheless, marked by ori- worldly sense. But to seize today, countries, and I greet the “Imma- unique action of the Holy Spirit ginal sin and fought with all their to say “no” to evil and “yes” to colata” group, today, on the Feast so as to always remain in perfect strength against its consequences. God, to open oneself to his grace, of the Immaculate Conception: relationship with her Son, Jesus. They passed through the “n a r ro w to once and for all stop falling they are great, they are always Indeed, she was Jesus’ disciple: do or”that leads to life (cf. Lk back on ourselves, dragging h e re ! his Mother and disciple. But 13:24). And do you know who is ourselves into hypocrisy and to there was no sin in her. the first person we are sure Today, the members of Italian face our own reality as we are — Catholic Action renew their com- entered paradise? Do you know In the magnificent hymn that to recognize that we have not mitment to the Association. I ex- who? A “ru f f i a n ”: one of the two opens the Letter to the Ephesians loved God and neighbour as we tend my greeting to them and who was crucified with Jesus. (cf. 1:3-6, 11-12), Saint Paul makes should have. And to confess it. wish them a good journey. I pray And he turned to Jesus saying: us understand that every human This is the beginning of a journey that Christ may be formed in “Jesus, remember me when you being is created by God for that of conversion, asking God’s par- you, as Saint Paul wrote, and that come into your kingdom”. And fullness of holiness, for that don first of all in the Sacrament you may be artisans of fraternity. beauty in which Our Lady was He responded: “Today you will of Reconciliation, and then to re- clothed from the beginning. The be with me in paradise” (Lk pair the harm done to others. But I greet the representatives of goal to which we are called is also 23:42-43). Brothers and sisters, always open to grace: the Lord the city of Rocca di Papa who, a gift of God for us, for which, Go d’s grace is offered to every- knocks on our door, he knocks according to tradition, will light the Apostle says he “chose us in one; and many who are the least on our heart to enter into friend- the Christmas star on the city’s fortress today. May the light of Christ always illuminate your c o m m u n i t y. As you know, this afternoon the traditional veneration of the At Saint Mary Major Immaculate Conception in Piazza di Spagna will not take place. After his private moment of prayer be- But this does not keep us from offering our Mother the flowers fore the Statue of Our Lady in Piazza that she enjoys the most: prayer, di Spagna early on Tuesday morning, 8 penance, a heart open to Grace. December, Pope Francis visited the Ba- Nonetheless, early this morning, I silica of Saint Mary Major where he went privately to Piazza di made an offering of white roses and Spagna and then to Saint Mary prayed before the icon, Salus Populi Ro- Major where I celebrated Mass. mani. There, the Pontiff celebrated I wish everyone a Happy Feast Holy Mass in the Nativity Crypt and Day. And, please do not forget to recited a prayer to Saint Joseph on the pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. occasion of the publication of his new Ar r i v e d e rc i ! Apostolic Letter Patris Corde on the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Univer- sal Church.