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Fifty-third year, number 26 (2.653) Vatican City Friday, 26 June 2020

On the Feast of Saint Thomas More Humour is a fundamental Christian virtue

ANDREA MONDA posed by his old friend, King Henry VIII. “The profound joy of the heart Hence, a sense of humour is is also the true precondition a weapon, or better stated, it is for ‘humour’; and so ‘h u m o u r, ’ a virtue, that a Christian can- under a certain aspect, is an not fail to cultivate. Thomas indicator, a barometer of More did so and was a happy faith”. And, “joy is very closely man, able to offer happiness to united to a sense of humour. A those who were near him. Christian who does not have it More than happy, he was is missing something … to me, blessed, strong because he was a sense of humour is the hu- able to live his personal man attitude closest to God’s ‘b eatitude’ that he summed up grace”. in this brilliant witticism: The first statement is from “Blessed is he who can laugh the 1980s and is from Joseph at himself, because he will nev- Ratzinger; the second is from er stop having fun”. Christian some 40 years later and comes irony is above all self-irony, an from Pope Francis, but it is attitude that suspends the understood that it is not an trenchant judgment of others extemporaneous quip, disen- and at the same time is quick gaged from a ‘daily practice’. to recognize, mercifully, one’s Indeed on that same occasion own limitations. It is in this the Pope indicated that “for 40 point that the association years I have recited Saint between humour and humility Thomas More’s prayer”, pre- — another fundamental Chris- cisely for this reason, in order tian virtue — is welded. The to have “a sense of humour. two words come from the same Christian joy and a sense of root: humus, soil, which is also humour always go together”. the same root of humanitas. So it is fitting to recall One is a human being if he re- these statements on the Feast cognizes he was born of dirt, Day of Saint Thomas More, a composed of mud, limited. On man who, armed with a smile, this fragile, ‘dirty’ essence, was able to face his life, filled however, according to the bib- with triumphs and unexpected lical narrative, God breathed defeats, glory and persecution, his spirit, elevating humanity and above all to joyously meet to the loftiest of creatures, in ‘Sir Thomas More’ by Hans the greatest challenge, an His image and likeness, deliv- Holbein, the Younger (1478-1535) unjust death sentence im- ering him from the merely nat- ural. And it is not by chance that another way to say hu- mour, sense of humour, is to speak of spirit: a humorous Prayer for Good Humour man is spirited, able to joke ‘with spirit’. When Pope Fran- The following is Saint Thomas More’s Prayer for Good Humour cis, for about seven years, General Audience which the Holy Father recites each day. preaches the necessity for Christians to become spiritual On the prayer of David Grant me O Lord, good digestion, men and women, to be open and also something to digest. to the work of the Holy Spirit, PAGE 3 Grant me a healthy body, and this also includes the appar- the necessary good humour to maintain it. ently secondary effect of be- coming spirited men and wo- In the Litany of Loreto Grant me a simple soul that knows men, able to smile first and to treasure all that is good foremost at themselves. In fact, Three new invocations and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil, Pope Bergoglio has often but rather finds the means to put things back warned against all forms of ri- PAGE 4 gidity, inviting the People of in their place. God to dissolve any stringency Give me a soul that knows not boredom, Pope to delegation from Lombardy that makes the heart sclerotic. grumbles, sighs, and laments, The oil that melts the heart is Positive energy nor excess of stress, because of that also composed of this healthy obstructing thing called “I.” and humble humour. Prayer is PAGE 5 fundamental in order to nour- Grant me O Lord, a good sense of humour, ish this humility that frees us; Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke perhaps the same prayer of Interview to discover in life a bit of joy, Saint Thomas More, which the and to be able to share it with others. Pope has recited daily for 40 Bernice Albertine King years and which — so simple Saint Thomas More, pray for us. and powerful as to need no GISOTTI ON PA G E 10 further comment — accompan- ies this text. page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 26 June 2020, number 26

clergy and administrator of the cathedral (19 June). Bishop-elect Persaud, 63, was born in Georgetown, Guyana. He VAT I C A N was ordained a priest on 14 July 1985. He holds licence in canon law. itavecchia-Tarquinia. Until now he BULLETIN has served as titular Bishop of The Holy Father appointed as Bish- Subaugusta and Auxiliary of Rome, op of Copiapó, Chile, Fr Ricardo Italy (18 June). Basilio Morales Galindo, O. de M. AUDIENCES Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, Presi- Until now he has served as apostolic dent of the Pontifical Academy for Bishop Ruzza, 57, was born in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a administrator sede vacante et ad nu- Thursday, 18 June Life priest on 16 May 1987. He was or- tum Sanctae Sedis of the Archdiocese Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, Thursday, 25 June dained a bishop on 11 June 2016, of Puerto Montt, Chile (20 June). Archbishop of Agrigento, Italy, with subsequent to his appointment as Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Fer- Bishop-elect Morales Galindo, 47, the coadjutor Bishop Alessandro titular Bishop of Subaugusta and rer, S J, Prefect of the Congregation was born in San Fernando, Chile. A Damiano, and with Archbishop Vin- Auxiliary of Rome. for the Doctrine of the Faith member of Order of Our Lady of cenzo Bertolone, S D P, of Catanzaro- Squillace Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, titular The Holy Father appointed as Aux- Mercy, he was ordained a priest on 3 Archbishop of Amantea, Apostolic iliary Bishop of the Diocese of San March 2006. He is a lawyer and H.E. Count John Cornet d’Elzius, Nuncio to Korea and to Mongolia Cristóbal de Venezuela, Venezuela, holds a bachelor’s degree in theo- Ambassador of Belgium, on his Fr Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez, as- logy, a licence in education, and a farewell visit Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of I FA D signing him the titular episcopal See diploma in canon law. Friday, 19 June of Rusubisir. Until now he has H.E. Mrs Safia Taleb al Souhail, served as episcopal vicar for the “Es- The Holy Father appointed as Aux- Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of Ambassador of Iraq to Italy, with píritu Santo” territorial zone and iliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Congregation for the Causes of her husband parish priest of “Nuestra Señora de Santo Domingo, Dominican Repub- Saints Father Alois, Prior of Taizè los Ángeles” in La Grita (18 June). lic, Fr José Amable Durán Tineo, as- Saturday, 20 June Bishop-elect Ayala Ramírez, 46, signing him the titular episcopal See of Tacia montana. Until now he has Cardinal Marc Ouellet, PSS, Prefect CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E was born in San Pedro de Pre- of the Congregation for Bishops gonero, Venezuela. He was ordained served as rector of the Santo Tomás a priest on 1 November 2002. He de Aquino national seminary in H.E. Mr Godwin George Umo, The Holy Father appointed as Bish- op of Caxito, Angola, Fr Maurício holds a licence in education, a spe- Santo Domingo (20 June). Ambassador of Nigeria, on his cialization in priestly formation and Agostinho Camuto, C S S P. Until now Bishop-elect Durán Tineo, 48, farewell visit vocational pastoral care, and a Mas- he has served as director of the Rá- was born in San José de las Matas, H.E. Mr Sibi George, Ambassador dio Ecclesia National Catholic Ra- ter’s in Neurocompetencias para la Dominican Republic. He was or- of India, on his farewell visit dio (15 June). educación. dained a priest on 6 January 2000. Doctors, nurses and healthcare Bishop-elect Camuto, 56, was The Holy Father accepted the resig- He carried out his ecclesiastical workers from Lombardy, Italy born in Colungo Alto, Angola. A nation of Archbishop Francesco studies and he holds a licence in member of Congregation of the Monday, 22 June Panfilo, SDB, from his office as Arch- youth pastoral care. Holy Spirit, he was ordained a priest bishop of Rabaul, Papua New on 28 July 1991. He completed his Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar Guinea, (19 June). General of His Holiness for the studies in theology and in social PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR communication. The Holy Father appointed Bishop Diocese of Rome LE G I S L AT I V E TEXTS Rochus Josef Tatamai, MSC, as Arch- Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, Archpriest The Holy Father appointed as Bish- bishop of Rabaul. Until now he has The Holy Father appointed as mem- of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary op of Uruaçu, Brazil, Fr Giovani served as Bishop of Kavieng, Papua Major Carlos Caldas Barroca. Until now New Guinea (19 June). bers of the Pontifical Council for he has served as parish priest of São Legislative Texts the following: Car- Miguel Arcanjo in Recanto das Archbishop Tatamai, 57, was born dinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Prefect Emas-DF (17 June). in Raduna, Papua New Guinea. He of the Congregation for the Evan- was ordained a priest on 26 Novem- gelization of Peoples; Cardinal Luis Bishop-elect Caldas Barroca, 51, ber 1989. He was ordained a bishop Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, S J, Prefect was born in Brasilia, Brazil He was on 29 September 2005, subsequent Benedict XVI of the Congregation for the Doc- ordained a priest on 3 December to his appointment as titular Bishop trine of the Faith; Cardinal Domi- returns to the 1994. He completed his studies in of Accia and Auxiliary of Kerema, philosophy and theology. Papua New Guinea. On 29 Novem- nique Mamberti, Prefect of the Su- Va t i c a n ber 2007 he was appointed Bishop preme Tribunal of the Apostolic Sig- The Holy Father appointed as Bish- of Bereina, Papua New Guinea and natura; and Cardinal Joseph Kevin op of Gozo, Malta, Fr Anthony on 22 June 2018 he was appointed Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Benedict XVI returned to his res- Teuma. Until now he has served as Bishop of Kavieng. the Laity, Family and Life (19 June). idence at the Mater Ecclesiae episcopal delegate for the family and monastery in the Vatican on head of the John Paul II Family In- The Holy Father appointed as Bish- AD M I N I S T R AT I O N OF THE Monday 22 June, upon returning stitute of Gozo (17 June). op of Duluth, USA, Fr Michel Mul- PAT R I M O N Y OF THE from a four-day visit to Germany. Bishop-elect Teuma, 56, was born loy. Until now he has served as dio- On Thursday, 18 June, Joseph in Xaghra, Malta. He was ordained cesan administrator of the said Dio- APOSTOLIC SEE Ratzinger had travelled to Reg- a priest on 25 June 1988. He com- cese (19 June). ensburg to visit his brother Georg The Holy Father appointed Mr Fa- pleted his studies in theology and Bishop-elect Mulloy, 67, was born who, at 96, is in poor health. The philosophy and holds a doctorate in bio Gasperini as secretary of the Ad- in Mobridge, USA . He was ordained ministration of the Patrimony of the Pope emeritus left the seminary the science of education. a priest on 8 June 1979. He carried Apostolic See (15 June). of the German town shortly after out his ecclesiastical studies at Saint The Holy Father accepted the resig- 10:00 am for Munich airport, Paul Seminary in Saint Paul, USA . from which he departed a few nation of Bishop Luigi Marrucci NECROLO GY from his office as Bishop of Civ- minutes after noon. His flight ar- The Holy Father appointed as Bish- itavecchia-Tarquinia, Italy (18 June). rived at Rome’s Ciampino airport op of Mandeville, Jamaica, Fr John Bishop Anton Schlembach, Bishop at 1:00 pm and returned to the The Holy Father appointed Bishop Derek Persaud. Until now he has emeritus of Speyer, Germany, at age Vatican by automobile. Gianrico Ruzza as Bishop of Civ- served as vicar general, vicar for the 88 (15 June)

ANDREA MONDA TIPO GRAFIA VAT I C A N A EDITRICE Subscription rates: Italy - Vatican: € 58.00; Europe: € 100.00 - US$ 148.00 £ 80.00; Latin 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 Giuseppe Fiorentino [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; Assistant Editor 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 26, Friday, 26 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

GENERAL AU D I E N C E

At the General Audience on Wednesday, 24 June, Pope Francis addressed the faithful from the Library of the Apostolic Palace. He continued his series of catecheses on prayer, with his focus on David who, while both saint and sinner, full of contradictions, was constant in prayerful dialogue with God. The following is a translation of the Holy Fa t h e r ’s catechesis, which he shared in Italian.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good morning! On our itinerary of catecheses on When a person lacks poetry prayer, today we meet King Dav- id. Favoured by God even from his youth, he is chosen for a his soul limps unique mission that plays a cent- ral role in the history of the The Holy Father reflects on the prayer of David People of God and of our own faith. In the Gospels, Jesus is which he loved, that he is no David. Holy and sinful, perse- this is the power of prayer in all called “son of David” a number longer a humble servant, but a cuted and persecutor, victim and those who make room for it in of times; in fact, like him, He was man crazy for power, a poacher manslayer, which is a contradic- their lives. Prayer gives you nobil- born in Bethlehem. According to who loots and preys on others. tion. David was all of this, to- ity, and David is noble because the promises, the Messiah would A second characteristic trait gether. And we too have recorded he prays. But he is a manslayer come from the descendants of present in David’s vocation is his events in our lives that are often who prays; he repents and his no- David: a King completely after poet’s soul. From this small obser- opposed to each other; in the bility returns thanks to prayer. Go d’s heart,in perfect obedience vation, we can deduce that David drama of life, all people often sin Prayer gives us nobility. It is cap- to the Father, whose action faith- was not a vulgar man, as is often by inconsistency. There is a single able of securing our relationship fully realizes His plan of salvation the case with individuals who are golden thread running through with God who is the true Com- (cf. Catechism of the Catholic forced to live for long periods D avid’slife, that gives unity to panion on the journey of every C h u rc h , 2579). isolated from society. He is, in- everything that happens: his pray- man and woman, amid life’s D avid’s story begins on the stead, a sensitive person who er. That is the voice that is never thousand adversities, good or hills surrounding Bethlehem, loves music and song. His harp extinguished. David the saint bad: but always prayer. Thank where he grazes the flock of his would accompany him always: prays: David the sinner prays; you, Lord. I am afraid, Lord. father, Jesse. He is still a boy, the sometimes to raise a hymn of joy David the persecuted prays; Dav- Help me, Lord. Forgive me, last of many brothers. So much to God (cf. 2 Sam 6:16), other id the persecutor prays. Even Lord. David’s trust is so great so that when the prophet Samuel, times to express a lament, or to David the manslayer prays. This that, when he was persecuted and by God’s order, goes in search of confess his own sin (cf. Ps 51:3). is the golden thread that runs had to flee, he did not let anyone the new king, it seems almost as The world that presents itself through his life. A man of prayer. defend him: “If my God humili- if his father has forgotten about before his eyes is not a silent That is the voice that is never si- ates me thus, he knows what he is his youngest son (cf. 1 Sam 16:1- scene: as things unraveled before lenced: whether it assumes tones doing”, because the nobility of 13). He worked in the open air: his gaze he observed a greater of jubilation or those of lament, it prayer leaves us in God’s hands. we can think of him as a friend of mystery. That is exactly where is always the same prayer; only Those hands wounded by love: the wind, of the sounds of nature, prayer arises: from the conviction the melody changes. In so doing, the only sure hands we have. of the rays of the sun. He has that life is not something that David teaches us to let everything only one companion to comfort takes us by surprise, but an as- enter into dialogue with God: joy his soul: his harp; and during tonishing mystery that inspires as well as guilt, love as well as SPECIAL GREETINGS those long days spent in solitude, poetry, music, gratitude, praise, suffering, friendship as much as he loves to play and to sing to his sickness. Everything can become I greet the English-speaking even lament and supplication in faithful joining us through the God. He also played with the us. When a person lacks that po- a word spoken to the “Yo u ” who slingshot. always listens to us. media. Upon you and your fami- etic dimension, let’s say, when he lies I invoke the joy and peace of Therefore David is, first and lacks poetry, his or her soul David, who knew solitude, was the Lord. May God bless you! foremost, a shepherd: a man who limps. Thus, tradition casts David in reality never alone! In the end, takes care of animals, who de- as the great artist be- I hope that the summer season fends them from oncoming hind the composition may be a time of serenity and a danger, who provides for their of the Psalms. Many of good occasion to contemplate sustenance. When, by God’s will, them, at the beginning, God in the masterpiece of his cre- David will have to care for his often bear an explicit ation. people, the actions he will take reference to the king of I address my thoughts to the will not be very different from Israel, and to some of e l d e rl y, to young people, to the sick these. This is why the image of the more or less noble and to newlyweds. Today is the the shepherd frequently occurs in events of his life. Feast of the Nativity of Saint the Bible. Even Jesus defines David, therefore, has John the Baptist. Let us learn, himself as “the good shepherd”, a dream: that of being from the one who was the pre- whose behaviour is different than a good shepherd. cursor to Jesus, the capacity to that of the mercenary; he offers Sometimes he will live bear witness to the Gospel with his life on behalf of the sheep; he up to this task, other courage, beyond our own differ- guides them; he knows each of times less so; what is ences, preserving the harmony them by name (cf. Jn 10:11-18). important, however, in and friendship that are the foun- David learned a lot from his the context of the his- dations of credibility of any pro- previous job. So, when the tory of salvation, is clamation of faith. prophet Nathan reproaches him that he is a prophecy My blessing to all! for his very serious sin (cf. 2 Sam of another King, whom 12:1-15), David understands right he merely announces away that he has been a bad and prefigures. shepherd, that he has despoiled Let us look at Dav- ‘King David Playing the Harp’ another man of his only sheep id; let us think about by Gerard van Honthorst page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 26 June 2020, number 26

Pop e’s video message to maritime personnel, fishermen and their families Thank you for your important contribution

In a video message released on Wednesday afternoon, 17 June, the Holy Father thanked maritime personnel, fishermen and their families for their important contribution to humanity, especially during this difficult time of the pandemic. “Your work as maritime personnel and fishermen has thus become even more important”, he said, since it is providing our greater human family with food and other primary needs”. The following is the English text of the Pope’s message, which he delivered in Italian.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, These are difficult times for our world, for we have had to deal with the suffering caused by the coronavirus. Your work as maritime personnel and fishermen has thus become even more important, since it is providing our greater human family with food and other primary needs. For this, we are grateful to you. But also because we know the risks involved in your work. In these past months, your lives and your work have seen significant changes; you have had to make, and are continuing to make, many sacrifices. Long periods spent are close to me in my thoughts and prayers, a word of encouragement to all those who aboard ships without being able to disem- and in those of your chaplains and the vo- work with you in providing pastoral care for bark, separation from families, friends and lunteers of Stella Maris. The Gospel itself maritime personnel. native countries, fear of infection… All reminds us of this, when it speaks to us of these things are a heavy burden to bear, Jesus and his first disciples, who were fish- May the Lord bless each of you, your now more than ever. ermen. work and your families, and may the Virgin I would like to say something to all of Today I would like to offer you a mes- Mary, Star of the Sea, protect you always. I you. Know that you are not alone and that sage and a prayer of hope, comfort and too give you my blessing and I keep you in you are not forgotten. Your work at sea of- consolation in the face of whatever hard- my prayers. And I ask you, please, not to ten keeps you apart from others, but you ships you have to endure. I would also offer forget to pray for me. Thank you.

With Alex Zanardi in the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments sign of inclusion

Three new invocations in the Litany of Loreto Pope Francis has written a letter of encourage- ment to Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One Pope Francis has approved the insertion of her as “blessed amongst women” and to driver and Paralympic champion who suffered three new invocations into the Litany of the count on her maternal intercession. The serious head injuries on Friday, 19 June, when he Blessed Virgin Mary, also know as Litany of titles and invocations which Christian piety lost control of his handbike while competing in Loreto. This was announced in a letter, dated has reserved for the Virgin Mary over the the Italian road race, Obiettivo tricolore. 20 June, sent by the Cardinal Prefect and the course of the centuries, as the privileged and Zanardi is an inspirational Italian athlete who, Archbishop Secretary of the Congregation for sure way to an encounter with Christ, are in- after losing both his legs in a life changing acci- Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sac- numerable. Even in this present moment raments to the Presidents of all the Episcopal which is marked by feelings of uncertainty dent during the 2001 American Memorial CART Conferences. The following is the English text and trepidation, devout recourse to her, race in Germany, turned to the sport of handbike of the Letter. which is full of affection and trust, is deeply racing, for which to date he has won four Para- felt by the People of God. lympic gold medals. Prot. N. 296/20 Discerning this sentiment and welcoming In the handwritten letter, which was published the desires expressed, the Supreme Pontiff, by the Gazzetta dello Sport, The Holy Father LETTER TO THE PRESIDENTS OF Pope Francis, wishes to provide that in the praises the 53-year-old Zanardi, who now remains CONFERENCES OF BISHOPS ON THE formulary of the litany of the Blessed Virgin hospitalized, for offering “an example of how to INVO CATIONS Mary, called “The Litany of Loreto”, the in- succeed in starting again after an unexpected “MAT E R MISERICORDIÆ”, “MAT E R SPEI”, vocations “Mater misericordiæ”, “Mater stop”. The Pope notes that through sport, AND “SOLACIUM MIGRANTIUM” sp ei”and “Solacium migrantium” should be Zanardi has “taught how to live the life of protag- TO BE INSERTED INTO THE inserted. onists, making disability a lesson in humanity” LI TA N Y OF LORETO The first invocation shall be placed after and “giving strength to those who have lost it”. “Mater Ecclesiæ”, the second after “Mater Both Zanardi and the Pontiff, along with other Vatican City, 20 June 2020, athletes and teams, also share a common bond in Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the divinæ gratiæ”, while the third shall be their support of the charity auction “We Run To- Blessed Virgin Mary placed after “Refugium peccatorum”. Your Eminence, With every good wish and kind regard, gether” ( w w w. c h a r i t y s t a r s . c o m / We R u nTo g e t h e r ) , to which they have each donated items to the ini- Your Excellency, we wish to entrust this notification to you for your information and application. tiative which aims to raise funds for the staff of The Church which walks along the path- Sincerely in the Lord, hospitals in northern Italy that have been heavily ways of history as a pilgrim towards the impacted by Covid-19. More than just a charity, heavenly Jerusalem and enjoys inseparable however, as the Pope pointed out as he received communion with Christ her Spouse and Sa- Cardinal Robert Sarah viour, entrusts herself to her who believed in P re f e c t Athletica Vaticana on 20 May, “We Run Togeth- the word of the Lord. We know from the er” also expresses the beauty that sport is able to Gospel that the disciples of Jesus had in fact ARTHUR RO CHE move “at the pace of the weakest”, thus truly of- learned from the very beginning to praise Archbishop Secretary fering “the same dignity” to everyone, whether an Olympic champion, a prisoner, a migrant, a per- son with mental or physical disability. number 26, Friday, 26 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5

Holy Father thanks doctors, nurses and healthcare workers for being silent artisans of the culture of closeness and tenderness Make precious use of the energy invested

“Now it is time to make precious use of Father who stretches his hand out to all this positive energy that has been us. Praying to him, invoking him, it invested”. These were Pope Francis’ is not an illusion; the illusion is words to representatives of the areas of thinking we can do without this! Italy most impacted by the Covid-19 Prayer is the soul of hope. pandemic, whom he received in In these months, people were un- audience in the Clementine Hall on able to participate in person in litur- Saturday morning, 20 June. The gical celebrations, but they never following is a translation of the Holy stopped feeling they were a com- Fa t h e r ’s address, which he delivered in munity. They prayed individually or Italian. as a family, even by means of social communications, spiritually united Dear Brothers and Sisters, and perceiving that the Lord’s em- We l c o m e ! brace surpassed the spatial limita- I thank the President of the Lom- tions. The pastoral zeal and creative bardy Region for his words. I cordi- care of priests helped people to con- ally greet the Archbishop of Milan, tinue the journey of faith and not to the Bishops of Bergamo, Brescia, remain alone in the face of pain and Cremona, Crema and Lodi, and the fear. This priestly creativity that de- other authorities present. I greet the feated some, a few ‘adolescent’ ex- doctors, nurses, healthcare and civil pressions against the measures of au- protection workers and the Alpine thority, who have the obligation to troopers. I greet the priests and con- In the vortex of an epidemic with well imagine everyone’s sentiments safeguard people’s health. Most secrated people. You have come as disturbing and unexpected effects, — go to you here present and to have been obedient and creative. I representatives of Lombardy, one of the reliable and generous presence your colleagues throughout Italy. have admired the apostolic spirit of of medical and paramedical staff be- the Italian regions most impacted by Now it is time to make precious so many priests, who reached people came a certain reference point, first the Covid-19 pandemic, along with use of all of this positive energy that by telephone, or went knocking on and foremost for the sick, but in a Piedmont, Emilia Romagna and has been invested. Do not forget! It doors, calling at homes: ‘Do you truly special manner for families, Veneto, particularly Vo’ Euganeo, is a richness that in part, surely, was need anything? I will do your shop- who in this case did not have the ‘uncomp ensated’ during the drama p i n g. . . ’. A thousand things. Close- represented here by the Bishop of opportunity to visit their loved ones. of the emergency; but in a large part ness, creativity, without shame. Padua. Today I symbolically em- And thus they found in you health- it can and must bear fruit for the These priests who remained beside brace these regions as well. And I care workers, to a certain degree, present and future of the society of their people in attentive and daily greet the representatives of Rome’s other family members, capable of Spallanzani Hospital, a medical unit Lombardy and of Italy. The pan- sharing: they have been signs of combining professional skill with the Go d’s comforting presence. They that has done a great deal in bat- attention that is a tangible expres- demic deeply marked the lives of in- tling the virus. dividuals and the history of the have been fathers, not adolescents. sion of love. Patients often felt they Regrettably quite a few of them Over the course of these troubled community. In order to honour the had ‘angels’ at their side, who have died, as have doctors and para- months, various organizations of helped them recover their health suffering of the sick and of so many medical staff too. And even among Italian society have worked hard to and, at the same time, comforted, deceased, above all, the elderly, you there are several priests who supported, and at times whose life experience should not be were sick and thank God have been accompanied them to the forgotten, we must rebuild our to- healed. Through you I thank all the threshold of the final en- morrow: it requires everyone’s com- Italian clergy, who have offered counter with the Lord. mitment, strength and dedication. It proof of courage and love to the These healthcare work- means setting out anew from the p eople. ers, sustained by the con- countless witnesses of generous and cern of hospital chap- gratuitous love, that have left an in- Dear brothers and sisters, I renew lains, witnessed God’s delible impression in consciences to each of you and to those whom closeness to those who and in the social fabric, teaching you represent my deep appreciation suffer; they were silent how much need there is of closeness, for what you have done in this ardu- artisans of the culture of care, sacrifice in order to nurture fra- ous and complex situation. May the closeness and tenderness. ternity and civil coexistence. And, Virgin Mary, worshiped in many The culture of closeness looking to the future, Fra Felice’s shrines and churches in your lands, and tenderness. And you discourse in the lazarette, in Man- accompany you and sustain you al- were its witnesses, even zoni [The Betrothed, chapter 36] ways with her maternal protection. in the little things: in the comes to mind: he looks at tragedy, And do not forget that with your caresses..., even with cell he looks at death, with so much work, all of you, doctors, paramed- phones, you connected realism, but he looks to the future ics, volunteers, priests, religious, lay elderly persons who were and carries on. people, who have done this, you about to die, with their In this way, we can emerge from have begun a miracle. May you have son, with their daughter, this crisis spiritually and morally faith and, as that tailor, and theolo- to say goodbye to them, stronger; and that depends on the gian who missed his calling used to to see them for the last conscience and responsibility of each say, “I have never found that the time...; small gestures of one of us. Not alone, however, but Lord began a miracle without finish- the creativity of love.... together and with the grace of God. ing it well” [Manzoni, The Betrothed, confront the health emergency with This was good for all of us. The wit- As believers it is up to us to witness ch. 24]. May he complete this mir- ness of closeness and tenderness. generosity and commitment. I am that God does not abandon us, but acle that you have begun! For my thinking of national and regional in- Dear doctors and nurses, the in Christ he gives meaning even to part, I continue to pray for you and stitutions, of municipalities; I am world has been able to see how this reality and to our limitations; for your communities, and I warmly thinking of dioceses and of parish much good you have done in a situ- that with his help we can face the impart a special Apostolic Blessing and religious communities; of so ation of great trial. Even exhausted, most difficult trials. God created us to you. And please, do not forget to pray for me. I need it. Thank you. many volunteer associations. We you continued to commit yourselves for communion, for fraternity, and have felt more deeply than ever an with professionalism and self-sacri- now more than ever the pretension [Blessing] appreciation for doctors, nurses and fice. How many doctors and para- of being wholly focused upon one- Now, the ‘l i t u rg y ’ of greeting. But all healthcare workers on the front medics, nurses, were unable to go self — of making individualism the we have to be obedient to the regu- home and thus slept there, wherever lines in providing an arduous and at guiding principle of society — has lations: I will not make you come they could because there were no proved illusory — it is illusory. But times heroic service. They have been here; I will come, passing by, to beds in the hospital! And this cre- let us be attentive because, as soon greet you courteously, as one must visible signs of humanity that warm ates hope. You [addressing the Presid- as the emergency has passed, it is do, as the authorities have told us to the heart. Many of them became ent of the Region] spoke of hope. easy to slide, it is easy to fall back do. And in this way, as brothers and sick and sadly, some died in exer- And this creates hope. You have all on this illusion. It is easy to quickly sisters, we shall greet and pray for cising their profession. Let us re- been one of the important pillars of forget that we need others, someone one another. First let us take a member them in our prayers with the entire country. My esteem and to take care of us, to give us cour- photo together and then I will come much gratitude. my sincere gratitude — and I can age. Forgetting that we all need a to greet you. number 26, Friday, 26 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 6/7

Charles Dickens: 150 years since his death

ANNALISA TEGGI or many weeks I have been struggling to speak When the gaze elbows the heart and write. I seem to have only those short and dry MontaleF syllables, and in any case ness from light. Every writer, headlong into a fabric of relation- I hear the echo of these words I feel a great need for silence. We whether aware or not, experiences ships that only fools can delude when I am among people in these cannot deny that we have been an intense relationship with God’s themselves into classifying into so- weeks, and looking at everyone in- deeply shaken and that we have Creation; and if he dares to call cial, economic, psychological tent on their social distancing, I suffered, even those who were not into question a powerful stream of grids. In Hard Times, as he ob- ask myself what will become of directly affected by the virus, a light in the style of Caravaggio — served Stephen Blackpool, a work- our relationships, which were dull ache that is difficult to put a he needs to intensely reach out to er on the job, Dickens left us a already comp ro mised by the pois- precise face on, to cry properly — know what comes to light. Dick- moving memorandum: “It is on of a profound separation well like children — and then start over. ens took from darkness a myriad known, to the force of a single before Covid-19. Certainly it is not So I read a lot, looking for voices of human figures that are dazzling pound weight, what the engine contact that creates relationships to be sincere companions, in a even if they remain on the scene will do; but not all the calculators but rather a fruitful communica- deep and pensive silence. for a single line. Each one has his of the National debt can tell me tion between eyes and soul. It is I find myself in agreement with flair of light, in good or in evil. the capacity for good or evil, for not a mask that keeps us apart, it And something of this blinding Elsa Morante on the evidence that love or hatred, for patriotism or is not the contemporary idol of luminosity remains in view of the we treasure authors among our discontent, for the decomposition connectivity that brings us closer. re a d e r. of virtue into vice, or the reverse, dearest friends when they do Relationships arise when the gaze I admit, for example, that I find at any single moment in the soul something that is the opposite of elbows the heart. There is a mo- the atomic bomb; rather than myself lingering a great deal over of one of these quiet servants, ment when the tragic destiny of making reality explode into crazed many figures who appear and then with the composed faces and the Oliver Twist depends on the sig- fragments, they present it to us disappear in everyday life, an un- regulated actions. There is no nature of a judge. Everything is Not always a gentleman more complete and vivid. “The usual gesture or smirk makes them mystery in it; there is an un- very reason for art, its justification, interesting to me, and when it fathomable mystery in the meanest already prepared to go a certain way; Oliver is quiet and the judge its reason for being and surviving, happens, I know whom to thank of them, for ever”. but it still has not opened due enormous ego that bore the is distant from him. No words, no GABRIELE NICOLÒ or if you prefer, its function, is ex- (sometimes I even murmur “Yo u , D ickens’narrative is a garden, a to the coronavirus emergency. It signs of vacuous self-satisfaction contact between the two until the actly this: to prevent the disinte- Charles, would have written us a thriving scene of lively and sur- s never seen before. In is waiting for the easing of the and of an unrestrained spirit of gration of the human conscience, An image on exhibit at the novel with that lady with the prising relationships. His critics mute gaze of a desperate child colour. To celebrate lockdown restrictions. The cur- competition with other writers in its daily routine, and its ex- Charles Dickens Museum, London disheveled hair”). The darkness of would not hesitate to say that it is manages to distract a bored ex- 150 years since the ator of the initiative, Frankie of his era: all seasoned with a hausting and alienating usage of forgetfulness and listlessness was a twisted and luxurious, excessive ecutor of the law from his listless- death of Charles Dick- Kubicki, states that these im- healthy dose of hypocrisy. At the world; to constantly restore to not defeated once and for all, and jungle. He was a man with the in- ness. And things change. There- Aens, on 9 June, the Charles ages aim to attract the public, the same time Wilson casts it, in the illusive and fragmentary who read him the haphazard, ex- thus we return there: such is art satiable eyes of humanity and I do fore, thank you dear Charles for Dickens Museum in London especially young people, to more than a shadow over Dick- and used confusion of external re- cessive and incredible joy of being when it tries to switch on within not at all wish to blame him for it. being very alive, lively and thriv- organized an exhibition that Dickens, whose stories, so vivid ens’ fidelity as a husband and lationships, the integrity of what is there. There is no worse heresy us an integral gaze of reality. Not He told his friend and biographer ing, keeping awake this very presents images of the writer with salient details and discre- father of 10 children, insinuat- real or, in a word, reality” (cf. Elsa than saying that we have had only that: it also gives us the urge John Forster that people who simple yet revolutionary hypothes- “re t o u c h e d ” with an added dis- tions in relief, are themselves ing the suspicion of not exactly Morante, Pro o contro la bomba enough of mankind and of the to be a living part of that formid- think they are very distant from is: what can happen if we truly crete but significant, dose of “in colour”. Kubicki adds that innocent affairs. He then refers atomica). world; but it is true that there are able experiment that is being. each other rub elbows every day. look at those who are beside us? colour. The exhibition is ready Dickens loved taking long daily to the writer’s attempt to admit Who saves you from having a wounds so great in evil and in Mr Pickwick comes to mind walks, and when the sun was his wife Catherine to an insane worn out relationship with the spite to make us feel that strain every time that, well beyond im- shining, this healthy practice al- asylum. Failing in that purpose, world? Who tears you away from that Morante speaks of. I confess portant health issues, I want to lowed the writer to end up with the writer left home, abandoned being alienated from your daily that my relationship with the lock myself in a disenchanted and a nice tan. The “re t o u c h i n g ”of his spouse, who had been often life? If these were the hypotheses world has always suffered from a grumbling quarantine. “Goswell the photographs does justice to mistreated by him, and his ex- upon which to build an anthology very strong skepticism; I am very Street was at his feet, Goswell this aesthetic element. At the tensive progeny. of friend-father-mother writers, fearful and unhappy by nature. Street was on his right hand — as same time the curator emphas- Wilson’s book — emphasizes Charles Dickens would be my My soul is in perpetual reverse far as the eye could reach, Goswell izes that although there may be “The Times”, which announced band leader. And I know that it is from relationships and events, and Street extended on his left; and many photographs from Dick- this intriguing editorial novelty not a literary term, but I imagine has undergone a true brainwash- the opposite side of Goswell ens’ era, most of them were not — is also a denunciation of the him beating a drum or blowing a ing all the times that it has lived Street was over the way. ‘Such,’ well made. The exhibition ills that afflicted Victorian soci- blaring trumpet, and behind him among Dickens’ pages, and I am a thought Mr Pickwick, ‘are the nar- therefore aims to deliver the fig- ety, voted “more for appearance an infinite crowd of men and wo- long way from knowing him com- row views of those philosophers ure of Dickens by means of col- than substance”, oblivious, bey- men and children — all his charac- prehensively. An invigorating exer- who, content with examining the our, in order to better enhance ond empty proclamations, bey- ters. cise that I use as an energy sup- things that lie before them, look appearances, features and ex- ond the jarring contrast The calendar informs us that 9 plement is reading the beginnings not to the truths which are hidden pressions, thus recreating what between rich and poor, as well June marks 150 years since his of his stories. A talented writer — beyond. As well might I be con- the author himself did with the as hesitant to promote necessary death, which immediately makes perhaps he already exists and I tent to gaze on Goswell Street for characters that inhabit his nov- and focused reforms intended us bring up one of his best open- am unaware of him — should do ever, without one effort to pene- els. Characters whose features, to favour a civil context open ings. “Marley was dead: to begin justice to the power of Dickens’ trate to the hidden countries even the most minute, are to novelty and progress. In that with. There is no doubt whatever” opening lines. which on every side surround it.’ shaped by a pen that, in terms historical phase “an abyss” was (A Christmas Carol). There is no Let us consider for a moment: And having given vent to this of description, is second to created in which English society doubt whatever that Charles Dick- to break the silence in order to be- beautiful reflection, Mr Pickwick none. gradually went belly-up. It was ens is dead. But precisely in that gin to say something is an act of proceeded to put himself into his From the photograph to the to Dickens’ credit, the author story, the deceased Marley had the extreme trust in Creation, in pres- clothes, and his clothes into his written page. “The Mystery of points out, that he had the task of calling back to life a living ences, in encounters, in the value p ortmanteau”. We can always Charles Dickens” by British au- courage — overcoming all forms cadaver like Scrooge. Dante would of what there is. close ourselves off, to look at this thor Andrew Norman Wilson of censure — to affix that abyss be the first to remind us that the Let us take just one example: world so paradoxical and unpre- (London, Atlantic, 2020) has in order to recover from its dis- dead can save us who, while “The first ray of light which illu- dictable from our room, or else we recently been published. It is tant and grim depths, prejudice, breathing and walking and talk- mines the gloom, and converts in- can be a living part of the story already being discussed, be- hypocrisy, self-righteousness ing, are one step away from a to a dazzling brilliancy that ob- that mysteriously unfolds when cause, after recognizing Dick- and corruption and then, with shutdown worse than physical scurity in which the earlier history darkness and light are separated. ens’ genius as a writer, joining a great virtuosity, to transfuse this death. of the public career of the immor- There is no better expression unanimous chorus, the author amalgam of material into the For this reason Dickens’ voice is tal Pickwick would appear to be than that of Mr Pickwick: to pen- formulates a certainly less than pages of his novels. His was a among those that cannot be involved” (The Pickwick Papers): etrate the mystery. This is the rad- flattering judgment of him as a true act of magic, Wilson un- defined as deceased, because it is this is a beginning that is truly a ical choice that we make every man. Wilson affirms that Dick- derscores. Finally a compliment capable of reawakening in those beginning, the separation of dark- time we leave the house. We enter “Covent Garden Market” (1864), Phoebus Levin ens was characterized by an for Dickens. page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 26 June 2020, number 26 At the Pontifical Universities everything is set for the new academic year Online lessons, reception, organization: even during lockdown no one is left behind

ROBERTO CETERA There is no environment in Rome more interna- tional than that of the Pontifical Universities. Every year hundreds of young clerics and lay people from around the world arrive in the Etern- al City to begin a course of academic studies, theological and otherwise. Very often the studies are related to second and third levels of study (li- cences and doctorates), but it is not uncommon to find students also working toward their bachel- or’s degrees at the Capitoline universities, often lodging in the various colleges of their countries of origin. For this reason, the sudden interruption by the pandemic has upset life in these environ- ments more than elsewhere. When the lockdown began it was just a few weeks after exams had ended for the winter session, and lessons for the second semester had just begun. How did the Catholic universities react? And more importantly, what are they planning and how are they prepar- Pontifical University of Sant'Anselmo in Rome ing for the next academic year? “I would say that the reaction was swift and positive for all the institutions”, explained Fr multimedia in teaching will continue, making our knowledge; especially for cases of delayed arrivals Mauro Mantovani, Rector of the Salesian Uni- lessons richer and more stimulating. to Rome due to visa problems. We are also co- versity and President of the Conference of Rect- The one real concern at the moment is with re- ordinating with the principal national colleges ors of the Pontifical Universities and Institutes of gard to visas and entry permits for non-European where most of our students generally stay, so that Rome (Cruipro), which coordinates the 22 aca- students. I hope there will be a particular sensi- they too will be ready for the annual return. We demic institutions present, nine of which are uni- tivity to this aspect on the part of the govern- are maintaining the same tuition fees as this year, versities. It is significant that this positive evalu- ment; but I repeat that if any student is unable to but we hope that with the global economic uncer- ation should come precisely from the Rector of arrive in time for October, he or she will not be tainty there will not be a decrease in the vital flow the university most stricken by the virus: with at left behind. One point I would like to emphasize of scholarships that the Propaganda Fide and oth- least 62 people infected, several individuals hos- as President of the Conference of Rectors is that er foundations dispense to our students”. Fr pitalized, and Fr Gregorio Jaskot who lost his there has never been such a strong collaboration Nuno da Silva Gonçalves, Rector of the Gregori- life. But from the Rector’s words it seems clear among all the Pontifical Universities in Rome as an, had no hesitation: “We will definitely be pre- that the sorrow over the loss of a beloved confrere there has been in this situation. And it is a wealth pared to welcome and support both the students does not diminish the will to respond and return that will not be dispelled”. “I would like to thank who are in Rome and those who are not able to to the university’s inspiring mission as soon as L’Osservatore Romano for giving us this opportun- get here due to difficulties with international possible. “We immediately implemented distance ity to send a message to all its readers, especially travels or visas. We will not leave anyone behind learning, strengthened by the fact that we had bishops and major superiors: do not be afraid to or alone”. already been experimenting for some time with send clerics, seminarians, novices and lay people In the splendid setting of the Aventine Hill, forms of digital instruction. After all, our uni- to Rome next year as usual: they will be guaran- the University of Sant’Anselmo stands out like a versity is also known for the bachelor’s pro- teed health safety and the customary high-level fortress visible from most of Rome’s historical gramme in social communication science. But we curricula that all our universities offer”. centre. Prof. Bernhard Eckerstorfer, an Austrian are very well aware that the best of technologies “At the Gregorian the situation is not much Benedictine monk, is the Rector of the Anselmi- can never replace the value of in-person participa- different, if not for the higher number of foreign anum which, along with the faculties of Theology tion in the educational relationship, as was also students, mostly residents in the national colleges. and Philosophy, is famous for the Pontifical explained clearly in the recent indications offered In total they are nearly 75 per cent of our 2,800 Liturgical Institute and for the institute of mon- by the Congregation for Catholic Education on 7 students”, noted Fr Mark A. Lewis, Vice Rector astic spirituality. His strong, purposeful energy May. You can imagine that for the children of of the prestigious academic institution, “but few does not hide his subtle amazement over events: Don Bosco the difference between mere learning returned to their countries when the pandemic “Do you understand? I was appointed Rector of and the educational process is something that is broke out” he continued, adding that: this university last 16 December. My head was part of our DNA . As is well known, we also offer “At the end of February when the situation filled with plans and new ideas. I had barely a “lay”, so to speak, baccalaureate courses in psy- began to become serious we gave ourselves three few weeks to look around me and meet the pro- chology, education, communication science, thus objectives: maximum attention and care for the fessors, and this pandemic swooped in on us! But we also have a significant proportion of lay stu- health conditions of our staff and our students; I can assure you that none of the development dents. In the Easter season we distributed a ques- immediate activation of distance learning and on- projects that we have in mind for the university tionnaire to all our students in order to monitor line submission of all educational materials neces- will be set aside”. how they were adapting to these extraordinary sary for continuing studies; a commitment not to “With regard to Sant’Anselmo as the Pontifical learning methods, and I must say that the results modify the university’s academic calendar, also University with the greatest number of foreign have been very encouraging. In keeping with the confirming the dates of both grades and advance- students in Rome, I am very confident that we tradition that aims to keep our psychology de- ment, whether online or in-person. We sought to will have no defections. Our institution is both partment among the most prestigious in Italy, we digitize as much material as possible in order to university and college; we host, in our monastic also launched a psychological support system for remedy the lack of access to the library. Our li- way of life, approximately 120 students, out of our students and their families, cognizant of the brary consists of approximately half a million 700 enrolled. Did you know? I am very proud: correlated widespread psychological harm that the books. Our three reading rooms reopened on 18 none of our students has left the college due to virus is spreading. May with their seating capacity reduced to a the coronavirus! And this is because of our specif- As for the next academic year we have already third, that is, 75 seats, which can be reserved on- ic characteristic: la stabilitas monastica. Which in prepared the course schedule, which is in com- line. We are pleased to say that the entire period- this instance is not just a spiritual lifestyle but plete continuity with those of prior years; all ical section is now accessible online, and this is a also a guarantee of health security. No one leaves courses are confirmed. We are planning as if the great help to our doctoral candidates. Thus, we the abbey unless absolutely necessary, while guar- lessons will be able to be face-to-face, but if this are pleased with our ability to respond”, Fr Mark anteeing a satisfying and stimulating living envir- is not possible we will work with the flexibility of continued. “Even the programming for next year onment. Indeed we have started to receive enrol- online teaching, bolstered by the experience of is proceeding swiftly: we have confirmed the com- ment applications for next year, actually condi- these recent months. Likewise, if there are stu- mencement of the academic year on 5 October, tioned on lodging at the college. Bishops, abbots dents who still cannot be present in Rome in Oc- and we are well prepared to proceed with a mixed and superiors feel more at ease knowing that their tober, we will certainly accept them, and by video system of online and in-person participation. We students will be in a protected study environment they will be able to follow the lessons taking have modified classroom logistics to allow for so- that does not require transfers. After all, as you place in the classroom. We will definitely not cial distancing. And we are recording preparatory well know, in 15 centuries of Benedictine monasti- leave anyone by the wayside. I think that even Italian language lessons for new students, in or- when the situation returns to normal, the use of der to help them begin their courses with a basic CONTINUED ON PA G E 9 number 26, Friday, 26 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 9

The black heart of America Spike Lee’s latest film “Da 5 Bloods”

GA E TA N O VALLINI graphs whose objective is to link the military es- calation in Southeast Asia to the racial conflict in A manifesto against racism. Spike Lee’s latest the United States. film, Da 5 Bloods cannot be otherwise inter- In the first scene Muhammad Ali states in an preted. Thus nothing new? Only in part, because interview: “My conscience won’t let me go shoot if it is true that the African American director has my brother, or some darker people, or some poor made condemnation and the fight for civil rights hungry people in the mud for big powerful the brand of his movies, it is also true that in this America. And shoot them for what? They never work there is something different from the past, called me ‘nigger’, they never lynched me, they even from the preceding BlacKkKlansman, despite didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of the latter being more successful cinematographic- my nationality”. There are other familiar voices ally. A bit war movie, especially in the vein of and well known stories: fragments of speeches by Apocalypse Now, and modern western — echoing Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Angela Yvonne The Treasure of the Sierra Madre — Da 5 Bloods Davis and Bobby Seale; the closed fists of Tom- wants to dig deeper into America’s heart of dark- mie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics ness. It is a remarkable coincidence that the film in Mexico City; the napalm bombings; student was released in streaming on Netflix during the protests at Ohio’s Kent State University repressed days in which the United States was inflamed by with bloodshed by the national guard; the assas- protests over the killing of George Floyd. sination of black activists perpetrated by the po- The plot unfolds around the trip down memory lice at Jackson State University in Mississippi; lane of four African American Vietnam War veter- but also the first man on the moon and much ans — Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), m o re . “Da 5 Bloods” film poster Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), and Eddie (Norm Between the present and the inevitable flash- Lewis) — who decide to return to the Asian coun- backs, Spike Lee compiles a sort of chronological try in search of their squad leader, Norman history of violence and abuse of power that conflict is thus just a pretext, the symbolic back- (Chadwick Boseman) who died in battle. harkens back to that original sin from which the ground on which the director paints his convulsive However, we soon discover that they are motiv- nation has been unable to redeem itself despite fresco of the black heart of America. ated by another goal: to retrieve the gold bars decades of proclamations, condemnations and Thus, while on the one hand Da 5 Bloods — they had found in the wreckage of a downed CIA protests. The society is harsh, the lives of black which had been scheduled to preview at the 2020 airplane they had hidden during the war. people, even harsher, and his protagonists seem a Cannes Film festival and to be released in Italy But what follows — from the search for Nor- litmus test with their rage, their recriminations, the with the addition of the words Like Brothers in the man who becomes a sort of guide for his com- demons of the past and the not always transparent title — winds up being a bit confused and at panions thanks to his commitment to the African choices. But it is certainly not the director’s inten- times not entirely credible in the unraveling of American cause, to the recovery of the gold, per- tion to offer a reassuring portrait of reality. If any- the events of the four protagonists, there is no sonal spoils of war, considered as “comp ensation” thing he aims to exasperate it, to make the incon- doubt about its political intent. Ultimately, Spike for the government’s treatment of African Americ- sistencies even more evident. And then to make Lee is brilliant even though this is not his best at- ans — appears to be merely an adventurous pre- so ciety’s contradictionsemerge. The choice to not tempt at directing, and not far from his film Do text to launch the umpteenth accusation against make the protagonists look younger in the flash- the Right Thing in terms of commitment. And racist America. In fact, the prologue is an even backs to 1971 Vietnam seems to underscore the fact today as one part of America continues to fight a too-explicit montage of period film and photo- that in 50 years things have not changed. That war at home, this is exactly what blacks needed.

Congregation for the Causes of Saints At the Pontifical Universities everything is Promulgation of Decrees set for the new academic year

On Friday, 19 June, the Holy on 8 September 1918 in Tafers, CONTINUED FROM PA G E 8 ors. And then tell me: how can anyone Father received in audience Car- Switzerland; give up the opportunity to study theo- dinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of — the miracle attributed to cism there have been many stories of ab- logy in Rome? It is a unique experience the Congregation for the Causes the intercession of the vener- beys and monasteries that have been for- in life; unmissable”. of Saints. During the audience, able Servant of God José midable bulwarks against epidemics and If one cannot give up Rome, imagine the Supreme Pontiff authorized Gregorio Hernandez Cisneros, plagues. In the practical sphere, we im- giving up Jerusalem. Fr Alessandro Co- the same Congregation to pro- layperson, born on 26 October mediately began working online, niglio, OFM is a professor and secretary mulgate the following Decrees re- 1864 in Isnotú, Venezuela, and strengthened by the fact that we had of the faculty of Franciscan biblical stud- g a rd i n g : died on 29 June 1919 in Cara- already been offering e-learning courses ies in the Holy City, the S B F, connected cas, Venezuela; on one of our platforms for several years. with the Antonianum University of — the miracle attributed to — the martyrdom of the Ser- We also have a great focus on asyn- Rome. “Our institution is highly special- the intercession of the vener- vant of God Maria Laura chronous lessons: in case students are ized and small in numbers, in which we able Servant of God Mamerto Mainetti (in the world Teresina unable to come to Rome, they will still provide only second and third level Esquiú of the Order of Friars Elsa), professed sister of the be able to follow the lessons regardless courses. Since last March we too have of the time zone. For this reason we are Minor, Bishop of Córdoba, Ar- Congregation of the Daughters been doing only online lessons and three investing some 7,000 euros per classroom gentina, born on 11 May 1826 of the Cross, Sisters of Saint licentiate dissertations have already been in order to equip each one with cameras in San Josè de Piedra Blanca, Andrew, born in Colico, Italy and suitable technologies for recording defended with this method. The impact Argentina, and died on 10 on 20 August 1939, and killed and transmitting lessons. And, in respect of the pandemic in Israel has not been January 1883 in La Posta del in hatred of the faith in of copyright laws we are seeking to digit- as tragic as in the rest of the world, and Suncho, Argentina; Chiavenna, Italy on 6 June alize as many texts as possible from our the country is already recovering. We too — the miracle attributed to 2000; library, which is a treasure trove of hope to recommence soon, because in- the intercession of the vener- — the heroic virtues of the unique liturgical and monastic materials. person participation is essential for us; able Servant of God Fran- Servant of God Gloria María I think that at the end of this pandemic our advantage is studying immersed in ziskus Maria of the Cross (Jo- of Jesus Elizondo García (in we will be stronger than before. I am the environment of the Holy Land”. hann Baptist Jordan), priest, the world: Esperanza), Superi- thinking especially of two aspects: multi- From Rome like Jerusalem the message Founder of the Society of the or General of the Congrega- media will finally allow us to bring theo- especially to bishops is the same: “We Divine Saviour (Salvatorians) tion of the Missionary Catech- logical culture even into our cloistered are ready. We are restarting. Do not be and of the Congregation of the ists of the Poor, born on 26 monasteries around the world, and afraid to send your students. With flex- Sisters of the Divine Saviour, August 1908 in Durango, Mex- moreover will make lessons more stimu- ibility from instruments, of course, but born on 16 June 1848 in ico, and died in Monterrey, lating, allowing for outside interventions with our longstanding quality and pas- Gurtwell, Germany, and died Mexico on 8 December 1966. by experts and ‘digitally-visiting’ p ro f e s s - sion”. page 10 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 26 June 2020, number 26

INTERVIEW

with Bernice Albertine King

ALESSANDRO GISOTTI On 19 June, the African American community cel- ebrated ‘Juneteenth’, the day that recalls the end of slavery. It was on June 19th in 1865 that Union Pope Francis with Bernice on 12 March 2018 Soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, declaring the end of the Civil War. Referred to by millions of African Americans as ‘Freedom Day’, this year’s celebration took place in a particular climate due to the protests sparked by the barbarous killing of George Floyd by a policeman. The Pope and my father L’Osservatore Romano and Vatican News inter- viewed Bernice Albertine King, daughter of Mar- tin Luther King, Jr, regarding her dedication to united in the same dream equality, the culture of peace and the value of nonviolence. A passionate human rights activist In addition to the “evident” racism that we see in violence, which he said is a descending spiral. Of like her father, and president of the King Center such tragic situations, there is another form of “ra c i s m course, I believe he would compel us to embrace in Atlanta, Bernice Albertine feels there is a that does not make the news”: racism at work, in nonviolence, which is strategic, courageous, love- strong sense of harmony between her father and education, in living conditions. Covid-19 has affected centered and organized, in order to realize the Pope Francis, whom she met twice in 2018. the African-American community much more than the Beloved Community, which includes the eradica- white community in the USA. How is it possible to tion of what he called the Triple Evils of racism, Not only the United States, but the entire world, is defeat this “invisible” ra c i s m ? poverty, and militarism. shocked by George Floyd’s death. Do you think that this time, the changes that should have taken place in First, let me say that I believe people’s refusal Pope Francis launched an appeal after George Floyd’s the wake of similar tragic killings of other African- to see is what makes systemic and institutional ra- death. He said that we cannot close our eyes before Americans, can finally occur? cism seem invisible. The more we want to see and racism. At the same time, he recalled that violence the more we want to effectuate change, the more I think that, because the world was already on only leads to self-destruction. How did you receive his evident the destructive, dehumanizing nature of alert due to Covid-19, the video of George Floyd words which are so in tune with your father’s? racism becomes. So, I think we defeat it first by being so callously and cruelly murdered by a po- refusing to turn a blind eye, by gathering inform- I agree with Pope Francis that violence only lice officer was an even more vitriolic indictment ation on the issues and by educating ourselves on leads to self-destruction. Our means must cohere of America and of the world, really. Millions the root causes and outcomes of racism. Informa- with our desired end, and if that desired end is around the world seem to have realized, as my tion gathering and education are the 1st and 2nd peace, we certainly cannot achieve peace with vi- father said, that “we are conf ro n t ed with the fierce steps of Nonviolent Social Change. Then, I think olent methods. This is aligned with my father’s urgency of now”. Law enforcement agencies, we have to commit to doing what my father de- beliefs, as well. He stated and believed, as do I, faith-based organizations and corporations are scribes as “our nettlesome task” in his book, that “Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial reaching out to Black leaders with a “What must Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Com- political and moral questions of our time.” In his I do to be saved?” type of response. Some cor- munity? He said that we must “discover how to last speech, I’ve Been To The Mountaintop, de- porations are providing tremendous resources to organize our strength into compelling power, so livered the night before he was assassinated, he organizations that focus on social justice and ra- that the government [and other institutions and said, “It is no longer a choice between violence cial equity. Other companies are looking at how systems of power] cannot elude our demands.” and nonviolence in this world; it’s nonviolence or to create a cultural climate conducive to establish- nonexistence. That is where we are today”. That ing true racial equity, from the board room to C Fifty-seven years ago, your father delivered his historic is still where we are today. We are facing a choice suites to supplier diversity. A number of law en- “I have a dream” speech. This dream still seems a between chaos or community. If we embrace viol- forcement agencies are reexamining their policies. long way off, but everyone says it is a dream that ence, we are thereby selecting chaos, which ulti- Some of these agencies have already started to re- cannot be renounced. What do you think your father mately leads to self-destruction in our World imagine what community engagement can and would do today in a situation like the one we are House. If we embrace nonviolence, we will ad- should look like beyond the act of policing and now living? vance in building a more just, equitable, humane, with the inclusion of concern for social services. I and peaceful world. do believe that the reactions and responses this I believe that my father would be guided by time are more widespread and passionate, with his philosophy of nonviolence, which correspon- Martin Luther King said: Justice “at its best is love more white people than ever before joining in ded with his following of Jesus Christ. I think he correcting everything that stands against love”. This is protest. If we unite further with focus on strategic would remind us of how we arrived at this mo- the heart of the message of nonviolence your father goals, we will prove to be more productive for the ment and of our history of violence, racism and embodied. How can we build a “revolution of tender- cause of justice. injustice as a nation and as what he called a ness”, as Pope Francis calls it? “World House”. The second thing I think that building a “revolution of tender- he would do is come alongside ness,” as Pope Francis called it, or a “re v o l u t i o n young people to undergird their of values,” as my father said, is contingent upon protest efforts with strategies that us realizing that there’s learning involved in the support organizing and mobilizing revolution. We have to learn more about each to effectuate sustainable nonviolent other, learn more about the condition of human- social change. He would put a de- ity, learn how to, as my father said, “live together mand on influencers in the sectors as brothers and sisters”, so that we don’t perish of politics, arts, media, entertain- together as fools, and learn a way of engaging ment, criminal justice, healthcare and destroying injustice and inhumanity without and education to ensure racial destroying each other. I believe that way is nonvi- equity and justice. He would also olence. Kingian Nonviolence, which The King put a demand on churches to align Center calls Nonviolence365™, is the method of their professions of faith with works thinking and acting, inclusive of six principles that create just and equitable cir- and six steps, that can guide us in the revolution. cumstances for Black and Brown people, as well as for economically The “Black Lives Matter” movement is involving the marginalized communities, not only whole world. Many people, especially young people, in the United States, but around are protesting against racism and racial discrimina- the world. And he would, as he of- tion in many of the capitals in Europe, and in other Bernice with her father Martin Luther ten did while he was living, share King, November 1964 (photo: Flip Schulke) that we cannot cure violence with CONTINUED ON PA G E 11 number 26, Friday, 26 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 11

INTERVIEW

with Fr Guy-Gervais Ayite

GIORDANO CONTU “Seeing and hearing what is happening in the world due to the pandemic, thank heaven, the situation in Benin is not at all dramatic”, Fr Guy- Gervais Ayite, Superior Provincial of the Camil- lians in Benin-Togo, stated to L’Ossservatore Ro- mano. After the discovery of the first case of the infection in mid-March, today the situation is stable, with 305 people infected, 188 recovered Hope does not fear Covid-19 and 4 deaths. The government’s decision not to order a lockdown spurred a great deal of debate, but the priest explains that “it would be absurd or malaria and malnutrition not to recognize the extreme economic fragility of these families. They often live on less than two shortages, while 32% of children under the age of fore the outbreak of the pandemic had fewer than euros per day, and this little money is earned only five are malnourished. Another problem is the 15 ventilators”. The government keeps the popula- by leaving home in the morning to go to work. low literacy rate that rests at around 40%. “M o re tion informed on good practices to follow, and One would rather die of Covid-19 than of hun- than 70% of young graduates have no jobs and has ordered the use of masks, while gloves are ger: sadly one has no choice”. even eating one meal a day is difficult”, the mis- only present in hospitals and health facilities. Indeed, malaria and malnutrition are the other sionary adds, “and after all, even those who work The charism of the Camillian fathers is serving plagues that afflict the country. Thus, during the earn merely a pittance, but there is nothing bet- God in the sick, even putting their own lives at pandemic, on 17 May, municipal elections were ter”. risk, as stated in their Order’s forth vow. In times even held. Voting required the use of masks and Fr Guy-Gervais lives in Cotonou, an economic of pandemic, Fr Guy-Gervais reflects, “this physical distancing of at least one metre at centre of over 700,000 inhabitants which borders polling stations. “In a socio-economic context reawakens our commitment in the heart of this the Atlantic, and where, he says, “the situation in situation, just as our confreres had done at vari- such as ours, where one truly fears the worst — the city’s hospitals is under control”. Despite tak- the Camillian father explained — the statistics in- ous times during the plague in the heart of ing the minimum measures of prevention against Europ e”.With the coronavirus missionary work spire cautious optimism”. Most of the infected the virus they are living almost in normalcy. people have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. has changed, especially “the way of conceiving The system used to fight the pandemic requires patient triage and hygiene”, the missionary con- isolation of the sick and a treatment of tinues, “aware that collective salvation depends on chloroquine for them and for those who have these factors. We reviewed the traffic pattern of come into contact with them. However, in Benin patients in the clinics and tried to limit, not there are so many other problems that somewhat without effort, family visits”. It is thanks to the overshadow Covid-19: between March and today religious that the poor are more easily able to ac- there have been more than 1,250 deaths due to cess care. malaria. “All it takes is to go around the villages” The people of Benin are aware of the dangers — Fr Guy-Gervais says — “to note that less than of the virus: they have accepted the limitations half of the children are being educated due to the imposed by the government; they wear makeshift lack of economic means”. masks and move about as necessary. This is also According to World Food Program (WFP) data, happening by virtue of the recognized importance approximately 10% of families suffer from food of the local Catholic Church. It is enough to think of the fundamental work of mediation car- ried out in 2019 to resolve the political crisis dur- ing the last national election. “An important role that an unseen hand seeks to discredit increas- ingly more, drowning her gestures, says the Cam- The Pope and my father illian father. Thus the Episcopal Conference of Benin — which celebrated its 30-year history in united in the same dream 2020 — adopted cutting-edge measures to combat the virus, measures which have been taken up by CONTINUED FROM PA G E 10 the state. As in many parts of the world, here too Mass has not been celebrated for some time, nor countries. What are your hopes for the future? Do are other public religious activities being held, you think that we all will take a step forward in even if many parishes have been doing so by the challenge of human fraternity? “There were moments of panic when two deaths were recorded: the first one in a private clinic streaming on YouTube or Facebook. Meanwhile, I am hopeful that we will harness our energy which then closed for a month, the second in a on the Immaculée Conception radio station, the public facility in which they closed a depart- local Church has programmed Eucharistic celeb- to focus on the ultimate goal of building the rations in the various languages spoken in the Beloved Community, which is not a utopia. As ment”. The two episodes raised the attention threshold country. “We are also hearing that regular reli- my mother, Coretta Scott King, said, “the Be- from the healthcare point of view. “Swab tests are gious functions may also begin again soon”, Fr loved Community is a realistic vision of an being done but in a highly selective, very limited Gervais confided. achievable society, one in which problems and way”, the missionary says. “Swabs are not dire c t ly According to the Africa Centre for Strategic conflict exist, but are resolved peacefully and available to hospitals, but are managed centrally Studies’ Mapping Risk Factors for the Spread of Covid-19 in Africa, Benin is currently the fifth without bitterness. In the Beloved Community, by the government”. The Camillians have been working for decades safest state on the continent. However, according caring and compassion drive political policies in Benin, where they manage several healthcare to the United Nations, the coming months will that support the worldwide elimination of facilities and La Croix hospital in Cotonou. Many be decisive for the continent, which should be poverty and hunger and all forms of bigotry confreres have degrees in medicine or nursing and reaching its peak of Covid-19 infections. “The in- and violence”. If we have this mutual, power- they immediately set to work to prevent the creasing number of infections can probably not ful ultimate goal, I believe that we can travel spread of Covid-19: by adopting the guidelines of be avoided” — concludes the missionary — “but my hope is that the level of immunity will in- the road of nonviolence to get there. We have the World Health Organization (WHO) and rais- ing awareness in patients who visit the centres. crease in the population, which would thus be the capacity and the rising passion to do that. “Educating for prevention is the only bastion protected from the raging virus. In a socio-eco- Now, we must employ the will in our stride to- for avoiding disaster”, says the Superior Provin- nomic context such as ours, I think it seems the ward building the Beloved Community. cial, “especially in a country like Benin that be- only sure thing that endures in time”. page 12 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 26 June 2020, number 26

ANGELUS

“Fear is one of the most terrible enemies of our Christian life”, Pope Francis said at the Angelus on Sunday morning, 21 June. Thus, he said, Jesus encouraged the disciples “to have no fear, to be strong and confident in the face of life’s challenges”, because “the only fear that a disciple should have is that of losing this divine gift” of communion, which is “closeness, friendship with God”. The following is a translation of the Pope’s reflection, which he shared in Italian, from the Library of the Apostolic Palace.

Dignity and safety for refugees After the Marian prayer the Holy Father’s appeal for World Refugee Day

Dear Brothers and Sisters, earliest times: so many martyrs, of our witness, our witness of Another aspect on which the Good morning! just for the fact of being Christi- faith: “recognizing Jesus before pandemic has led us to reflect is ans. Jesus advises these disciples men” and going forth doing the relationship between mankind In this Sunday’s Gospel (cf. Mt of yesterday and today who suffer go o d. and the environment. The lock- 10:26-33) the invitation that Jesus persecution: “do not fear those down reduced pollution and en- addresses to his disciples reso- May Mary Most Holy, model who kill the body but cannot kill abled us to rediscover the beauty nates: to have no fear, to be of trust and abandonment in God the soul” (v. 28). We should not of so many places free of traffic strong and confident in the face in the hour of adversity and allow ourselves to be frightened and noise. Now, with the resump- of life’s challenges, as he fore- danger, help us never to sur- by those who seek to extinguish render to despair, but rather al- tion of activities, we all must be warns them of the adversities that more responsible for the care of await them. Today’s passage is evangelizing power with arrog- ways to entrust ourselves to him ance and violence. Indeed, they and to his grace, because God’s our common home. I appreciate part of the missionary discourse, the many initiatives that, in every with which the Teacher prepares can do nothing against the soul, grace is ever more powerful than that is, against communion with evil. part of the world, are growing the Apostles for their first experi- “from the bottom-up” and are ence of proclaiming the Kingdom God: no one can take this away from disciples, because it is a gift After the Angelus, the Holy Father moving in this sense. For ex- of God. Jesus persistently exhorts ample, in Rome today there is them to “have no fear”. Fear is from God. The only fear that a continued: disciple should have is that of one dedicated to the Tiber River. one of the most terrible enemies Dear brothers and sisters, yes- losing this divine gift, closeness, But there are so many of them in of our Christian life. Jesus ex- terday the United Nations cele- friendship with God, giving up other places! May they promote a horts: “have no fear”, “fear not”. brated World Refugee Day. The living according to the Gospel, citizenry that is ever more aware And Jesus describes three tan- crisis caused by the coronavirus thereby acquiring moral death, of this essential common good. gible situations that they will find has shed light on the need to en- which is the effect of sin. Today in my homeland and in themselves facing. sure necessary protection to other places they are celebrating Jesus indicates as the third type refugees too, in order to guaran- First and foremost the hostility the day dedicated to fathers, to of test that the Apostles will have tee their dignity and safety. I in- of those who would like to stifle dads. I assure all fathers of my to face, the sensation, which some vite you to join in my prayer for the Word of God, by sugar-coat- closeness and prayers. We all may feel, that God himself has a renewed and active commitment ing it, watering it down, or by si- know that being a dad is not an abandoned them, remaining dis- by all in favour of the effective lencing those who proclaim it. In easy job! That is why we pray for tant and silent. Here too, Jesus protection of every human being, this case, Jesus encourages the them. I also recall in a special exhorts them not to fear, because in particular of those who are Apostles to spread the message of way our fathers who continue to even while experiencing these and forced to flee due to situations of salvation that he has entrusted to protect us from Heaven. other pitfalls, the life of disciples grave danger to them or to their them. For the moment, he has And I greet all of you, dear transmitted it cautiously, some- lies firmly in the hands of God families. who loves us and faithful people of Rome and pil- what covertly, among the small grims from various parts of Italy group of disciples. But they will looks after us. They are like three tempta- — now we are starting to see utter his Gospel “in the light”, them, the pilgrims — and, increas- that is, openly; and will proclaim tions: to sugar-coat the Gospel, to water it ingly, from other countries too. it “upon the housetops” — as Someone ... I see the flags. I Jesus says — that is, publicly. down; second: perse- cution; and third: the greet you young people in partic- The second difficulty that feeling that God has ular: Today we recall Saint Christ’s missionaries will en- left us alone. Even Je- Aloysius Gonzaga, a young man counter is the physical threat sus suffered this trial full of love for God and neigh- against them, that is, direct perse- in the Garden of bour; he died very young, here in cution of them personally, to the Olives and on the Rome, because he took care of point of being killed. This proph- Cross: “Father, why victims of the plague. I entrust esy by Jesus is realized in every have you f o rs a k e n the young people of the entire age: it is a painful reality, but it me?”, Jesus asks. At world to his intercession. attests to the faithfulness of wit- times one feels this I wish everyone a happy nesses. How many Christians are spiritual barrenness; Sunday. Please, do not forget to persecuted even today throughout we must not fear it. pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. the world! They suffer for the The Father takes care Ar r i v e d e rc i ! Gospel with love, they are mar- of us, because our tyrs of our days. And we can say value is great in his with confidence that they are eyes. What matters is more numerous than those of the frankness, the courage