INFORMATION BULLETIN DECEMBER 2020 The Color Purple – A Sign to Build Bridges of Dialogue

Raniero Cantalamesa OFMCap

cardinals. A surprise for him, who for permitting. And, if I have no orders to years has lived at “L’eremo dell’amore the contrary, I should be resuming very misericordioso” in Cittaducale, Province shortly, with the arrival of Advent. Benedetta Capelli – of Rieti, providing his priestly service to a small community of cloistered nuns. You said that this appointment also t 86, the preacher of the Pontifical R. – It is clearly a recognition of the surprised you due to the wave of Household will become a cardinal Word of more than a recognition of endearment from leaders of different Ain the consistory on November 28: “It is me as a person; even more merit goes to religious denominations ... not a recognition due to my person but those who listen to it rather than those R. - It is true, it is true! I have received to the Word of God”. who proclaim it. We praise the Lord for many emails ... also from some Jewish this. friends. I was very pleased because one For 40 years, Father Raniero of my passions has been to foster unity Cantalamessa OFMCap has preached Often his very profound sermons are and dialogue, especially unity among to the during certain liturgical not only appreciated by the but Christians. On such an occasion, this seasons of the Church such as Advent and are also repeated on social media, kind of response is a sign of coming Lent. He has a reassuring countenance, providing great opportunity for together that hasn’t so much to do with a calm voice and a simple ease of one a world that has difficulty listening ... me, but is a small glimpse of Pope 4 who knows the Holy Scriptures well and R. – I must say that I, myself, am full Francis’s greater commitment to for this reason is clearly able to explain of admiration, not for my sermons but building bridges. and argue the love of God. On June 23, for those who listen to them. Because 1980, John Paul II chose him as Preacher to think that a Pope like John Paul II, At the end of the list of new cardinals, of the Papal Household; for 15 years Benedict and even Francis finds the time asked for prayers for

N° 344 he was also a presence on television to listen to a poor simple Capuchin friar you, but he also asked for help in preaching the Gospel in a program is an example that they give to the whole serving the Church and the people of called “Le ragioni della speranza” (The Church, an example of esteem for the God ... Reasons of Hope). Word of God. In a certain sense, it is R. – In fact, given this honorary role, This Capuchin friar is blessed with they who preach to me. more than the ’s prestige, the real a rich and varied personal history. aim for me is the joy of being able to He was ordained a priest in 1958 and In the choice of new cardinals there is stay close to the Pope and support him graduated from Theology in Fribourg. also the recognition of the Franciscan with prayer and the Word. Together with Giuseppe Lazzati, he family: for example, Father Gambetti. founded the Department of Religious Do you see this as a sign? Is there a particular person or Sciences at the Catholic University R. - Pope Francis brings a little bit of this moment in your life as a religious that of . He frequently names his flair to everything. And there’s a touch came to mind when you heard your encounter with the Renewal in the Spirit of Francis in everything, including the name being called at the Angelus? movement as one of the greatest graces last he wrote. But I wouldn’t R. - Sure. A figure in my life of great of his life, which also overflowed into give too much weight to the fact that importance for me was Fr. Paschal the realm of Christian unity -- a topic on there’s a certain number of Franciscans Rywalski, who found himself General which he has always demonstrated his this time; in the past, the Jesuits featured Minister when the Lord called me to commitment. Our brothers and sisters prominently. I don’t think he focuses on leave university teaching and devote of different confessions are unreserved concerns like religious orders and such myself to preaching. I owe this choice to in their esteem for him. In 2015, for as much as he does on other things. him and to his discernment, which then example, at Westminster Abbey, he gradually led me to be a preacher of gave a sermon at the General Synod of In what ways do you feel you can the Papal Household and also to travel the Anglican Church in the presence of honor this new commitment to which the world and do spiritual exercises, Queen Elizabeth II. you are called? including those of last year for the R. – I think I will continue for the bishops of the United States. He was my The preaching I received ... moment, as long as the Lord gives me spiritual father who played a particular On Sunday, Pope Francis announced enough health and the Holy Father role at that particular turning point in his name among the list of new wills it, my main activity – pandemic my life.