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Fifty-third year, number 11 (2.638) Friday, 13 March 2020

Pop e’s video message for Day of Prayer and Fasting Close to those in quarantine

On Wednesday, 11 March, a Mass was celebrated by Cardinal at the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love for the Day of Prayer and Fasting. For the occasion, Francis sent a video message in which he addressed his prayer to the Virgin. The following is a translation of Pope Fra n c i s ’ video message. O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross, united with Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. He who took our suffering upon Himself, and burdened Himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas — we who are put to the test — and deliver us from every danger. O glorious and blessed Virgin.

2020 World Youth The Holy Father’s reflections via streaming Day Message Following the 7 March statement from the Vatican silicas. All public Masses throughout Italy have been Press Office to stream live ’ Sunday An- suspended including weddings, funerals, as well as re- gelus (see page 8) and the General Audience (see ligious and cultural events. page 3), the has announced a series of addi- The above measures, which were also adopted to tional measures designed to avoid the risk of the prevent the spread of the virus throughout the various spread of COVID-19, aimed at guaranteeing both the and other entities, will remain in force un- safety and the participation of the faithful who are til at least 3 April 2020. quarantined or affected by the coronavirus. Along those lines, Pope Francis has decided to allow his daily Mass at the Casa Santa Marta to also be streamed live so as to be close to those who are at home. For this reason, his activities may be viewed on and are made available for distribution To our subscribers in Italy by . In accordance with the measures adopted by the We would like to inform our readers Italian authorities to curb the rise of infections, the living in Italy that due to the COVID- Holy See has adopted further restrictions to help 19, the English edition of L’Osser- limit the gathering of people at security controls. vatore Romano is available only online They include the closure of the , the until further notice. Excavation Office, the Museum of the Pontifical Vil- PAGE 4/5 las and of the museum centres of the Pontifical Ba- page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 March 2020, number 11

began his mission as Apostolic Nun- cio in Costa Rica with the presenta- tion of his Letters of Credence to VAT I C A N H.E. Mr Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of the Republic. The Holy Father appointed Bishop BULLETIN Gualtiero Sigismondi as Bishop of Orvieto-Todi. Until now he has LENTEN SERMON served as Bishop 0f Foligno, Italy, AUDIENCES Bishop-elect Betancur, 45, was and General Ecclesiastical Assistant On Friday morning, 6 March, Fr born in Donmatías, Colombia. He of Italian Catholic Action (7 Mar.). Marko Ivan Rupnik, S J, Director of Monday, 9 March holds a licence in philosophy and the Aletti Centre, delivered the first religious education and a degree and The Holy Father accepted the resig- Lenten Sermon in the Vatican’s Archbishop Carlos Castillo Mat- specialization in Canon Law. He was nation of Bishop Singaroyan Se- Clementine Hall. tasoglio of Lima, Peru ordained a priest on 23 November bastianappan from his office as Bish- H.E. Mr Séverin Mathias Akeo, 1999. op of Salem, India (9 Mar.). NECROLO GY Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, on a farewell visit The Holy Father accepted the resig- nation of Bishop Louis Portella STA R T OF MISSION Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Mar- H.E. Mr Julio César Caballero Mbuyu of Kinkala, Republic of the tinelli, OFM, titular Bishop emeritus Moreno, Ambassador of the Pluri- Congo (5 Mar.). On 31 January, Archbishop Bruno of Tabuda, at age 78 (30 Dec. 2019) national State of Bolivia, on a Musarò, titular Archbishop of Abari, The Holy Father appointed Fr Archbishop John Alexius Bathersby, farewell visit Ildevert Mathurin Mouanga as Bish- Archbishop emeritus of Brisbane, Members of the Episcopal Confer- op of Kinkala. Until now he has Australia, at age 83 (9 Mar.) ence of France, on a visit ad limina served as rector of the Cardinal Archbishop Peter David Gregory Ap o s t o l o r u m Emile Biayenda National Major Smith, Archbishop emeritus of Seminary of Brazzaville (5 Mar.). Theme for World Southwark, Great Britain, at age 76 NEW DIO CESE Bishop-elect Mouanga, 53, was Day of Migrants (6 Mar.) born in Hamon, Republic of the The Holy Father established the Congo. He holds: a degree in philo- new Diocese of Ekwulobia, Nigeria, sophy and theology, a licence in and Refugees with territory taken from the Dio- Sacred Scripture and a doctorate in In a communiqué released by cese of Awka, making it a suffragan Biblical Theology. He was ordained the on New date set of the Metropolitan See of Onitsha. a priest on 16 August 1998. Friday, 6 March, the 106th He also appointed Bishop Peter World Day of Migrants and for ‘Economy Ebere Okpaleke as the first Bishop The Holy Father appointed Bishop Refugees will be celebrated on of Ekwulobia. Until now he has Gregory John Martmayer, Sunday, 27 September 2020. As of Francesco’ served as Bishop emeritus of the OFM. Conv., as Metropolitan Arch- the title for his annual Message, Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria (5 Mar.). bishop of Atlanta, USA . Until now the Holy Father has chosen The organising committee of the he has served as Bishop of Savan- “Forced like Jesus Christ to Economy of Francesco has announced nah, USA (5 Mar.). flee”. The Message will focus on that the event, previously set for 26- CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E The Holy Father accepted the resig- the pastoral care of internally 28 March, will now be taking place nation of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin displaced persons (IDPs), who on 21 November in Assisi. The Holy Father appointed Fr Farly currently number over 41 mil- Yovany Gil Betancur as Bishop of from his office as Archbishop of Ly- on, France (6 Mar.). lion worldwide. Montelíbano, Colombia. Until now As the title suggests, the reflec- he has served as Adjunct Secretary The Holy Father accepted the resig- tion begins with the experience to the Episcopal Conference of nation of Bishop Benedetto Tuzia of of the young Jesus and his family Colombia (4 Mar.). Orvieto-Todi, Italy (7 Mar.). as displaced persons and refugees. This provides a Christo- logical grounding for the Christi- an action of welcome or hospital- ity. Over the coming months, the French Bishops on ‘ad limina’ visit theme will be developed in six sub-themes expressed by six pairs of verbs: to know in order to un- derstand; to draw near so as to serve; to listen in order to recon- cile; to share and thus to grow; to involve in order to promote; and finally, to collaborate and therefore to build. The change in date is due to the Again this year, the Migrants difficulties many people are facing and Refugees Section of the in travelling, both on an internation- for Promoting Integral al and national level. The Holy Human Development will en- Father, therefore, in agreement with courage, prepare and support the committee, has set the new date the celebration of this day. Re- of his meeting to accommodate the sources are being developed and 2000 young people from 115 coun- a communication campaign will tries who are due to attend the soon get underway. Each month, event. information, reflections, and On 28 March there will be a meet- multimedia aids will be offered ing in the Papal Hall of the Sacred as means of exploring and ex- Convent of Assisi for a We b i n a r with The Holy Father met with members of the Bishops’ Conference of France in a private audience pressing the theme chosen this the young people of the participating during their visit ‘ad limina Apostolorum’ on Monday morning, 9 March. year by the Holy Father. countries.

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 11, Friday, 13 March 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

GENERAL AU D I E N C E

The Holy Father continued his series of catecheses on the Beatitudes at the General Audience on Wednesday morning, 11 March, from the Library of the , avoiding direct contact with the faithful to prevent the spread of Covid-19. His reflection, which focused on the fourth Beatitude, was broadcast live via radio, television and social media to ensure his closeness and blessing to all pilgrims, in particular, the sick. The following is a translation of the Pope’s remarks which he shared in Italian.

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on the Beatitudes Listen to the cry of the poor

Dear Brothers and Sisters, will never enter the kingdom of must not lose it! We have to pro- of their respective illnesses. I of- Good Morning, heaven” (Mt 5:20). This is the tect and nourish in children’s fer a heartfelt thanks to the hos- righteousness that comes from hearts, the desire for love, tender- pital staff, the physicians, male At today’s audience, we shall con- God (cf. 1 Cor 1:30). ness and welcoming that they ex- and female nurses and volunteers tinue to meditate on the lumin- press in their sincere and lumin- who are close to the people who ous path of happiness that the In the Scriptures, a thirst is ex- ous outbursts. are suffering at this very difficult Lord consigned to us in the pressed that is more profound than a physical one, a desire at Each person is called to redis- time. I thank all Christians, all Beatitudes. We have come to the the men and women of good will fourth one: “Blessed are those who the root of our being. One psalm cover what truly matters, what they truly need, what makes life who pray at this moment, in uni- hunger and thirst for religiousness, says: “O God, thou art my God, good, and at the same time, what son, whichever religious tradition for they shall be satisfied” (Mt 5:6). I seek thee; my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh faints for thee, as is secondary and what one can they belong to. I warmly thank We have already encountered in a dry and weary land where no easily do without. you for this effort. However, I poverty in spirit and weeping. water is (Ps 63[62]:1). The Fath- In this Beatitude, Jesus an- would not want this suffering, Now we face another type of ers of the Church speak about nounces — hunger and thirst for this epidemic that is so strong, to weakness, one that is linked to this anxiety that lives in the heart righteousness — which is a thirst cause us to forget the poor Syri- hunger and thirst. Hunger and of mankind. Saint Augustine that will not be disappointed; a ans who are suffering on the bor- t h i rs t are primary needs. They says: “Thou madest us for Thy- thirst that, if supported, will be der between Greece and Turkey: have to do with survival. This self, Lord, and our heart is rest- satisfied and always have a posit- a people who have been suffering should be underscored: this does less, until it rests in Thee”.1 T h e re ive outcome because it corres- for years. They have to flee war, not concern a general desire, but is an interior thirst, an inner hun- ponds with God’s own heart, hunger and illness. Let us not rather a vital, daily need such as ger, an anxiety.... with his Holy Spirit that is love, forget our brothers and sisters nourishment. In each heart, even in that of and also with the seed that the and the many children who are But what does hunger and the most corrupt and distant Holy Spirit sowed within our suffering there. thirst for righteousness’ sake people, there is a hidden yearn- hearts. May the Lord grant us I also warmly thank the “D ue mean? We are certainly not talk- ing for the light, even if it is this grace: to have this thirst for Pa l a z z i ” Parish for the text of the ing about those who want ven- buried under the rubble of de- righteousness which is the very Via Crucis for Good Friday, geance. Indeed in the preceding ceit and mistakes, but there is al- desire to find him, to see God which I received yesterday. Thank Beatitude, we spoke about meek- ways the thirst for truth and and to do good unto others. you all for your deep meditation. ness. Admittedly, injustice good which is the thirst for At this time, I would like to wounds humanity. Human society God. The Holy Spirit arouses address all the sick who have con- urgently needs fairness, truth and this thirst. He is the living water tracted the virus and the many SPECIAL GREETINGS social justice. Let us remember that has shaped our dust; he is who suffer from the uncertainty I greet the English-speaking that the evil suffered by women the creative breath faithful joining us through the and men throughout the world that gave it life. media, as we continue on our reaches the heart of God the This is why the Lenten journey towards Easter. Father. What Father would not Church is sent forth to Upon all of you and your famil- suffer over the suffering of his proclaim to all the ies, I invoke the joy and peace of c h i l d re n ? Word of God, imbued our Lord Jesus Christ. May God The Scriptures speak of the with the Holy Spirit. bless you! suffering of the poor and op- Because the Gospel of I offer a special greeting to pressed which God knows and Jesus Christ is the young people, the e l d e rl y, the sick shares. For having listened to the greatest righteousness and newlyweds. May you experi- cry of oppression raised by chil- that can be offered to ence in this Lenten period, with dren of Israel — as the Book of the heart of humanity your gaze fixed on Jesus who Exodus narrates (cf. Ex 3:7-10) — which has a vital need suffered and was Raised, the God descended to free his for it, even though it comfort and meekness of his people. But the hunger and thirst does not realize this. 2 Spirit. for righteousness’ sake that the For example, when a 1 Confessions, n. 1,1.5. Lord refers to is even more pro- man and woman marry, 2 Cf. Catechism of the Catholic found than the legitimate need they have the intention C h u rc h , n. 2017: “The grace of the for human justice that each man of doing something Holy Spirit confers upon us the and woman carries in his/her great and beautiful, righteousness of God. Uniting us heart. and if they keep this by faith and Baptism to the Pas- In the “Sermon on the Mount” thirst alive, they will al- sion and Resurrection of Christ, which takes place a little later, Je- ways find the way to the Spirit makes us sharers in his sus speaks of righteousness that is move forward in the life”. greater than human rights or per- midst of difficulties sonal perfection, saying, “unless with the help of Grace. your righteousness exceeds that Young people too have of the scribes and Pharisees, you this hunger and they number 11, Friday, 13 March 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 4/5

Message for World Youth Day to be celebrated at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday

The courage to take a risk and change the world

The Holy Father’s Message for the 35th World Youth Day [WYD], which will be of photos or social profiles on my up to the level of their true dignity. ness. I leave it to you to think about celebrated at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday, 5 April, is based on the theme cell phone? How often do we end up Everything is reduced to “living it these things and to realize what has “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk 7:14). It emphasizes the link between being eyewitnesses of events without up” and seeking a morsel of gratifica- proved “deadly” for yourselves or for the Synod dedicated to young people and the journeys of the World Youth Days. ever experiencing them in real time! tion: a minute of entertainment, a someone close to you, now or in the The Message — published on 5 March — was signed by the Pontiff on 11 February, Sometimes our first reaction is to fleeting moment of attention and af- past. At the same time, I ask you to memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Focusing his attention on this year’s Message, take a picture with our cell phone, fection from others.... And what remember that the young man in the Pope Francis stressed the word “arise” which is dedicated to the new generations without even bothering to look into about the widespread growing digital Gospel was truly dead, but he was on the journey from the 2019 WYD in Panama to the WYD to be held the eyes of the persons involved. narcissism that affects young people able to come back to life because he in Lisbon in 2022. The following is the English text of the Pope’s Message. All around us, but at times also and adults alike. All too many was seen by Someone who wanted within us, we can see realities of people are living this way! Some of him to live. The same thing can also death: physical, spiritual, emotional, them have perhaps bought into the happen to us, today and every day. As you can see, the verb “arise” or social. Do we really notice them, or materialism of those all around them “stand up” appears in all three simply let them happen to us? Is who are concerned only with making themes. These words also speak of there anything we can do in order to money and taking it easy, as if these To have compassion “The Raising of the Widow’s Son” by Anna Lea Merritt, St Martin's Church, Blackheath. resurrection, of awakening to new restore life? were the sole purpose of life. In the life. They are words that constantly The Scriptures often speak of the I think too of all those negative long run, this will inevitably lead to appear in the Exhortation Christus feelings experienced by those who let self, a touch also felt in authentic hu- formulas that are supposed to take stop looking bored and weary, and situations that people of your age are unhappiness, apathy and boredom Vivit (Christ is Alive!) that I ad- themselves be touched “viscerally” by man love; it is a touch opening up care of everything: “You have to be- let their faces come alive and be experiencing. Some stake everything with life, a growing sense of empti- dressed to you following the 2018 the pain of others. Jesus’ own feel- unimaginable vistas of freedom and lieve in yourself”, “You have to dis- more beautiful than any virtual real- on the present moment and risk their ness and frustration. Synod and that, together with the Fi- ings make him share in other fullness of new life. The effectiveness cover your inner resources”, “Yo u i t y. own lives in extreme experiences. Negative situations can also be the p eople’s lives. Hemakes their pain of this gesture of Jesus is incalcul- have to become conscious of your If you give life, someone will be nal Document, the Church offers you Others are “dead” because they feel result of personal failure, whenever his own. That mother’s grief became able. It reminds us that even one positive energy”.... But these are there to receive it. As a young wo- as a lamp to shed light on your path hopeless. One young woman told something we care about, something his own. The death of that young sign of closeness, simple yet concrete, mere words; they do not work for man once said: “Get off your couch in life. I sincerely hope that the jour- me: “Among my friends I see less de- we were committed to, no longer son became his own. can awaken forces of resurrection. someone who is truly “dead inside”. when you see something beautiful, ney bringing us to Lisbon will coin- sire to get involved, less courage to seems to be working or giving the As young people, you have shown Jesus’ word has a deeper resonance; and try and do something similar”. cide with a great effort on the part of get up”. Sadly, depression is spread- desired results. This can happen with You too, as young people, are able over and over again that you are cap- it goes infinitely deeper. It is a divine Beauty awakes passion. And if a “Young man, I say to you, the entire Church to implement these ing among young people too, and in school or with our ambitions in to draw near to the realities of pain able of com-passion. I think of all and creative word, which alone can young person is passionate about arise!” (Lk 7:14) two documents and to let them guide some cases even leads to the tempta- sports and in the arts.... The end of and death that you encounter. You those of you who have generously bring the dead to life. something, or even better, about the mission of those engaged in the tion to take one’s own life. How the “d re a m ” can make us feel dead. too can touch them and, like Jesus, offered help whenever situations de- someone, he or she will arise and Dear Young People, pastoral care of young people. many situations are there where But failures are part of the life of bring new life, thanks to the Holy manded it. No disaster, earthquake start to do great things. Young Let us now turn to this year’s apathy reigns, where people plunge every human being; sometimes they Spirit. But only if you are first In October 2018, with the Synod of or flood takes place without young Living the new life as “risen ones” people will rise from the dead, be- theme: “Young man, I say to you, into an abyss of anguish and re- can also end up being a grace! Not touched by his love, if your heart is Bishops on Young People, the Faith volunteers stepping up to offer a come witnesses to Jesus and devote arise!” (cf. Lk 7:14). I mentioned this morse! How many young people cry infrequently, something that we melted by the experience of his The Gospel tells us that the young and Vocational Discernment, the helping hand. The great mobilization their lives to him. verse of the Gospel in Christus Vivit: out with no one to hear their plea! thought would bring us happiness goodness towards you. If you can man “began to speak” (Lk 7:15). Church undertook a process of re- of young people concerned about de- “If you have lost your vitality, your Instead, they meet with looks of dis- proves to be an illusion, an idol. feel God’s immense love for every Those touched and restored to life by Dear young people, what are your flection on your place in today’s fending the environment is also a traction and indifference on the part Idols demand everything from us; living creature — especially our Jesus immediately speak up and ex- passions and dreams? Give them free world, your search for meaning and dreams, your enthusiasm, your op- of people who want to enjoy their they enslave us yet they give us noth- witness to your ability to hear the cry brothers and sisters who experience press without hesitation or fear what rein and, through them, offer the purpose in life, and your relationship timism and your generosity, Jesus own “happy hour”, without being ing in return. And in the end they of the earth. hunger and thirst, or are sick or na- has happened deep within them: world, the Church and other young with God. In January 2019, I met stands before you as once he stood bothered about anyone or anything collapse, leaving only a cloud of Dear young people, do not let ked or imprisoned — then you will be their personality, desires, needs and people something beautiful, whether with hundreds of thousands of your before the dead son of the widow, and with all the power of his resur- else. dust. Failure, if it makes our idols yourselves be robbed of this sensitiv- able to draw near to them as he dreams. Perhaps they were never able in the realm of the spirit, the arts or contemporaries from throughout the society. I repeat what I once told you rection he urges you: ‘Young man, I Others waste their lives with su- collapse, is a good thing, however ity! May you always be attentive to does. You will be able to touch them to do this before, for they thought world assembled in Panama for in my mother tongue: Hagan lío! say to you, arise!’” (No. 20). perficial things, thinking they are much suffering it involves. the plea of those who are suffering, as he does, and to bring his life to no one would be able to understand. World Youth Day. Events of this Make your voices heard! I remember alive while in fact they are dead with- There are many other situations of and be moved by those who weep those of your friends who are in- To speak also means to enter into type — the Synod and World Youth That passage from the Bible tells another young person who said: “If in (cf. Rev 3:1). At the age of twenty, physical or moral death that a young and die in today’s world. “Some real- wardly dead, who suffer or have lost Day — are an expression of a funda- us how Jesus, upon entering the a relationship with others. When we Jesus was someone who was only they can already be dragging their person may encounter. I think of ad- ities of life are only seen with eyes faith and hope. are “dead”, we remain closed in on mental dimension of the Church: the town of Nain in Galilee, came upon concerned about himself, the son of lives down, instead of raising them diction, crime, poverty or grave ill- cleansed by tears” (Christus Vivit, 76). ourselves. Our relationships break fact that we “journey together”. the funeral procession of a young If you can learn to weep with those the widow would not have been person, the only son of a widowed up, or become superficial, false and In this journey, every time we who are weeping, you will find true “Young man, I say to you, arise!” raised”. mother. Jesus, struck by the woman’s hypocritical. When Jesus restores us reach an important milestone, we are happiness. So many of your contem- The resurrection of that young heartrending grief, miraculously re- The Gospel does not tell us the to life, he “gives” us to others (cf. v. challenged by God and by life to poraries are disadvantaged and vic- man restored him to his mother. In stored her son to life. The miracle name of the young man whom Jesus 15). make a new beginning. As young tims of violence and persecution. Let restored to life in Nain. This invites that woman, we can see an image of took place after a sequence of words their wounds become your own, and Today, we are often “connected” Mary, our Mother, to whom we en- people, you are experts in this! You and gestures: “When the Lord saw each reader to identify with him. To but not communicating. The indis- like to take trips, to discover new you will be bearers of hope in this you, to me, to each one of us, Jesus trust all the young people of our her, he had compassion for her and world. You will be able to say to criminate use of electronic devices world. In her, we can also recognize places and people, and to have new said to her, ‘Do not weep’. Then he says: “Arise”. We are very aware that, can keep us constantly glued to the experiences. That is why I have your brother or sister: “Arise, you are as Christians, we constantly fall and the Church, who wants to welcome came forward and touched the bier, screen. With this Message, I would with tender love each young person, chosen the city of Lisbon, the capital not alone”, and you will help them have to get up again. People who are and the bearers stood still” (Lk 7:13- like to join you, young people, in without exception. So let us implore of Portugal, as the goal of our next realize that God the Father loves us, not on a journey never fall; then 14). Let us take a moment to medit- calling for a cultural change, based Mary’s intercession for the Church, intercontinental pilgrimage, to take that Jesus is the hand he stretches again, neither do they move forward. ate on these words and gestures of on Jesus’ command to “arise”. In a that she may always be a mother for place in 2022. From Lisbon, in the out to us in order to raise us up. That is why we need to accept the the Lord. culture that makes young people isol- her dead children, weeping for them fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, help that Jesus gives us and put our ated and withdrawn into virtual and asking that they be restored to great numbers of young people, in- faith in God. The first step is to let To come forward and “touch” worlds, let us spread Jesus’ invita- life. In every one of her children who cluding many missionaries, set out The ability to see pain ourselves get up and to realize that tion: “Arise!” He calls us to embrace dies, the Church also dies, and in for unknown lands, to share their ex- and death Jesus stops the funeral procession. the new life Jesus offers us is good a reality that is so much more than every one of her children who arises, perience of Jesus with other peoples He draws near, he demonstrates his and worth living. It is sustained by virtual. This does not involve reject- the Church also arises. and nations. The theme of the Lis- Jesus looks carefully at this funeral closeness. Closeness thus turns into a one who is ever at our side along our ing technology, but rather using it as I bless your journey. And I ask bon World Youth Day will be: procession. In the midst of the courageous act of restoring life to an- journey to the future. Jesus helps us a means and not as an end. “Arise!” you, please, not to forget to pray for “Mary arose and went with haste” crowd, he makes out the face of a other. A prophetic gesture. The touch to live this life in a dignified and is also an invitation to “d re a m ”, to me. (Lk 1:39). In these two intervening woman in great pain. His ability to of Jesus, the living One, communic- meaningful way. “take a risk”, to be “committed to years, I want to reflect with you on see generates encounter, the source of ates life. It is a touch that pours the This life is really a new creation, a changing the world”, to rekindle Rome, from Saint John Lateran, 11 two other biblical texts: for 2020, new life. Few words are needed. Holy Spirit into the dead body of new birth, not just a form of psycho- your hopes and aspirations, and to February 2020, Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk What about my own ability to see? that young man and brings him back logical conditioning. Perhaps, in contemplate the heavens, the stars 7:14) and for 2021, “Stand up. I ap- When I look at things, do I look to life. times of difficulty, many of you have and the world around you. “Arise point you as a witness of what you carefully, or is it more like when I That touch penetrates all hurt and heard people repeat those “magic” and become what you are!” If this is have seen” (cf. Acts 26:16). quickly scroll through the thousands World Youth Day Panama 2019 despair. It is the touch of God him- formulas so fashionable nowadays, our message, many young people will page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 March 2020, number 11 Lent 2020

Fr SEBASTIAN VA Z H A KA L A , MC The season of Lent has just began, let us take this time to prepare for the great feast of Easter. Like Jesus and with him, we too, go into the solitude of the desert to be alone with the Alone who will speak to our hearts. There, we will hear his voice in the silence and the stillness of our hearts. The world is in a big trial due to the terrible pest of coronavirus. The Lord wants all nations and people of the world to turn to him. We can- not exist nor can we have real peace, joy, health and lasting wealth without God, our Creator and Lord. May this moment of trial become a school through which we come to understand the abso- lute necessity of trusting in God, giving him the Time to break bread high honour and glory that is his due. Human- kind, ignoring the Father and Creator, tries to place itself in the centre of the world. The peren- with the hungry nial temptation of attempting to build the tower of Babel (cf. Gen 11:1-9), worshipping the golden calf (cf. Ex 32:1 ff.) ... in place of God, will end the book of Exodus (17:10-13), we see that Moses ing is not an end in itself. It is a necessary means up in a terrible disaster. was seated on a piece of stone as Aaron and Hur to save souls, Salvifici Doloris. It is in this sense This is the time to open our eyes to our God, held his hands outstretched while the war against that Saint John Paul II said: “Suffering is a voca- to wake up, to read the signs of the times. Today, the Amalekites waged on. As long as Moses’ tion”, because it is redemptive; it redeems oneself just like yesterday, the world belongs to God. The hands were outstretched, the Israelites would win. and others. It is in this sense that the Apostles world is our guest house and not our permanent We, too, are at war: with ourselves, with the devil left the Sanhedrin filled with joy at being found abode. We do not have a world without God. It and with all the evil in the world. It is a spiritual worthy of suffering in the name of Jesus (cf. Acts do esn’t depend on what or how I think! battle. Jesus’ hands are being stretched out. Un- 5:41). It is no wonder that Jesus demanded Saint “Were there not ten, where are the nine?” (Lk like Moses’ hands which were held by two Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Char- 17:11-19). One out of 10 came to acknowledge the people, Jesus’ hands were stretched outwards and ity to be “victims of his love, …covered with the power of God, to express his gratitude. Today, in nailed to the Cross, perpetually interceding with poverty of the Cross, obedience of the Cross and our so-called prosperity, natural self-sufficiency the Father for sinful humanity. “Forgive them, charity of the Cross”. It is no wonder that Jesus and autonomy, we easily tend to forget the God Father, for they do not know what they are do- told her that she was the spouse of Jesus cruci- who made us; we try to worship ourselves instead ing” (Lk 23:34). fied. He asked her to offer more sacrifices, to of God. We are tempted to place ourselves in the Lent invites us to a metanoia, a call to the rad- smile more tenderly and to pray more fervently. It centre and offer ourselves incense. We are terribly ical re-orientation of one’s life, a change of atti- is no wonder that Jesus told Saint Teresa, MC, mistaken. We have sinned and continue to fall in- tude. It calls for a transition from our way of see- that “in her immolation, in being the fire of Jesus’ to the sin of idolatry. ing, judging and acting into God’s way of seeing love amongst the poor, they are going to see Je- The first reading of Ash Wednesday gives us a everything, from our way of judging and acting sus, know him and want him”. Hence suffering glimpse of how to approach and how to face the to God’s way of doing it. This is the meaning be- and pain, cross and hardship are powerful means vexing problem from every side. It is the time to hind Jesus’ call to “rep ent”. Lentthen is a time to to see Jesus, to know Jesus and to want Jesus, fall on our knees with folded hands to cry for have Jesus’ mind, heart and eyes. thus to be saved, to be redeemed. help to God, who alone is our true God, not During Lent fasting has a new dimension. Our To conclude these few reflections on Lent in wealth, not power and prestige. No political fast should include all our five senses, as well as the light of all that is going on is a Herculean power can conquer God, nor go on living as if he our self-will. Moreover, our fast must fight task. We have to hold on to the essential in life. is not here. Even if we deny the existence of the against all seven capital sins: pride, envy, anger, The modern world is in pain and in sorrow be- air we breathe because we do not see the air, the sloth, gluttony, lust and greed. cause it holds on to what is ephemeral and trans- air continues to exist. We are doing something In this demanding time of Lent, we have to itory, while remaining indifferent to the essential similar: we say that we neither see God nor need struggle against three spiritual enemies: the world, reality of God. With him we can climb moun- him and that we can manage our lives without the devil and oneself (sarx). At the same time, the tains, we can face challenges, we can conquer evil. him! He is a nuisance in our lives. It is easy, we heart and spirit of Lent involves sharing in three The means to do this are prayer, penance and think, to live without acknowledging God and his ways: charity, prayer and fasting (cf. Mt 6:1-6, 16- works of mercy. Here I would like to quote a presence and action in our lives, his authority and 18). There is bliss and pain: bliss on account of beautiful reflection by Chrysologus: sovereignty. We want to conquer God. In our at- the interior charity of the heart one experiences “There are three things by which faith stands firm, tempt to do so, we are being conquered by God towards God and toward one’s neighbour; pain at devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They through suffering and pain, pestilence and natural the indifference one has to go through in one’s are prayer, penance and works of mercy. Prayer calamities. They are meant to be medical lessons neighbour, whom one wants to help. Love has to knocks at the door, penance obtains and works of to reflect upon and change our attitude and our pass through the crucible of pain and suffering. mercy receive: these three are one and they give light way of life! One has to experience a kind of labour pain in to each other. Lent is a very powerful time in the year, that giving birth to new souls. This redemptive love Penance is the soul of prayer; works of mercy are invites us to pray more fervently, to offer more can be very heartrending but it is worth experien- the life-blood of penance. Let no one try to separate sacrifices, to do penance and to break and share cing. Jesus said to Saint Teresa of Calcutta: “Yo u r them. If you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you our bread with the hungry. To break and share, vocation is to love and suffer and save souls”. want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of not to go on holding selfishly to perishable things Here love becomes suffering love, sacrificial love, others. If you do not close your ear to others, you as if they are eternal, but to break fearlessly and labouring love. One experiences joy because a open God’s ear to yourself. share generously with those who are deprived of new soul is redeemed through this labouring love, When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you the basic necessities of life. through this redemptive love. want God to know that you are hungry, know that Lent is a time to reflect upon the greatest love Lent is a time of great hope, hoping against another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. of God, manifested in Jesus. “God so loved the hope. Even when everything around us is dark, If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want world that he gave his only begotten Son that we have to hope against hope. Lent is a means to receive, give. If you ask for yourself what you deny whoever believes in him should not perish but that leads and guides us to Easter. Lent without to others, your asking is a mockery. have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the Easter is a very sad time. Imagine having Good Let prayer, penance and works of mercy be one world not to be its judge but to be its Saviour” Friday without Easter Sunday. It is the thought of single plea to God on our behalf, one speech in our (cf. Jn 3:16-17); “ …The light has come into the Easter Sunday that gives us strength, courage and defence, a threefold united prayer in our favour” world, but people preferred darkness rather than vitality, the true orientation and joy in our every- (Sermon 43. Office of Readings for Tuesday, Lent, light, because their deeds were evil…” (Jn 3:19). day life of prayer, penance, sacrifice, humiliation week 3). Lent speaks to us of the Cross, the proof of the and misunderstanding. greatest love manifested on the Cross. Jesus’ Lent helps us understand the Christian mean- *Co-Founder with Mother Teresa of the Missionaries hands are stretched out, nailed to the Cross. In ing and significance of human suffering. Suffer- of Charity Contemplative Brothers number 11, Friday, 13 March 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Spiritual Exercises of the conclude Encouragement through faith in God

On Wednesday morning, 4 March, Bovati said, and courageously mittedly, he continued, today’s soci- time, in the Sacrament of Reconcili- Fr Bovati, Secretary of the Pontifical “walked on the water”, thus “exp eri- ety demands priests to carry out ation, priests look to the face of Biblical Commission, delivered his encing the possibility and the reality many different takes. But despite God and identify with the sinner, fifth Lenten meditation to the Ro- of life’s victory over the snares and them, one must never lose sight of carrying onto themselves the sins of man Curia gathered in Ariccia, and the violence of evil”. This merciful what is essential: prayer. Prayer, he others, following the example of Je- to Pope Francis, who continued to ministry, Fr Bovati concluded, sup- explained, is not only the condition sus. They ask God for forgiveness follow from the Vatican. Reflecting ports those who have little faith and required for listening to God, but it even though God already knows on events narrated in Exodus, who fear they may fall. also makes apostolic ministry pos- what we need. chapter 14, and the Gospel of Mat- For his sixth mediation on Wed- sible, as authentic and concrete wit- Those who have a responsibility thew, chapter 14, he highlighted the nesday afternoon, Fr Bovati focused ness with its nature of welcoming in the Church are called to have a importance of welcoming the spir- on the depiction of God in the and gratitude for the grace. paternal attitude with attention to itual meaning of these narratives in Book of Exodus. On the one hand, Moses, Fr Bovati explained, is an the most fragile ones, a necessity example of this permanent ministry order to draw from them “indica- he is the God of the covenant with that is truer now than ever before. of intercession, both as mediator of tions that will help us in the mission Israel, the God that is good and Fr Bovati then mentioned the pas- the Word of God, and as “mediator entrusted to us in our priestly call- faithful, and on the other, he is an sage in the Gospel of Matthew in ing”. He singled out Moses, the of grace for a people in constant which Peter asks Jesus how many omnipotent sovereign. Thus, not danger of losing itself”. Fr Bovati “servant of God”, the Lord’s obedi- much emphasis appears to be placed times he has to forgive his brother in ent, docile and courageous instru- suggested reading the ministry of case of sin, highlighting the import- on man’s freedom of choice. Moses in a modern light, by pon- ment as “an example to be imit- However, without the human com- ance of seeking out the lost sheep. ated”, in achieving this task. dering on the duality of the struggle In a sense, Jesus’ invitation to never ponent, the story assumes a distor- Fr Bovati used the image of a and prayer, as described in Exodus, grow tired of forgiving makes the ted image in which mankind is re- “night time crossing” to explain the chapter 17, when the Israelites had ministry of reconciliation permanent. duced to a passive object. Biblical interaction between the people and to fight against the Amelekites. Thus the more sin there is, the more texts are complex and often comple- God, a metaphor which holds true To day’s“Amelekites”, intended as plentiful the mercy has to be. for both the Old and the New Test- mentary, Fr Bovati explained, and the enemies of the Christian Church, On Friday morning, 6 March, Fr ament. Night time, he said, invites other passages do show that the have many ensnaring forms “and Bovati concluded his series of Len- us to enter into the perspective of Lord desires to arouse a response in they subtly attack those who are un- ten meditations by addressing the obscurity, apprehension and loss. At theme of “Go d’s presence”. The the same time, it is a place of “mys- Lord is our Emmanuel and he ac- tery where God manifests himself”. companies us on our journey. And a crossing is a journey that im- Moses, he pointed out, was the first plies a narrow passage, which also one to understand this. It was by generates fear and denial. God is being in an obedient relationship not an easy shortcut, Fr Bovati ex- with God, that he received the grace plained. Indeed, the journey was of leading the People of Israel. long and filled with traps and seem- Reflecting on Moses in prayerful ingly aimless roaming. Feeling dialogue with the Lord, Fr Bovati powerless as though “made of dust”, said that a “divine command is al- the people of Israel were afraid and ways proportional to the man” b e- so deeply disappointed in God who cause it is possible to achieve. This had promised them a hopeful path, is because God guarantees his pres- that they began to say they were ence through the grace of the Holy better off as slaves. This also hap- Spirit, in order to achieve it. Fr pens to our people today, Fr Bovati Bovati highlighted that from the pointed out, when the evangelical very start, Moses had understood offer is perceived as the direction of the need to have people who co- losers or reckless people, and those operated with him. For example, who attempt to journey on the path, when he went to the Pharaoh, he feel afraid, discouraged and disap- mankind and enter into a relation- p re p a re d ”. However, the “rock on was accompanied by Aaron and pointed because they are unable to ship with them. which the Church is built will with- when he celebrated the Lord’s tri- see the promised advantages. The desert of the Israelites is the stand evil but not without our active umph over the sea, he was assisted In these situations, Fr Bovati ex- representation of our earth where we participation in faith and prayer”, he by Miriam’s drums. Not only does plained, mankind does not need suffer but also where God reveals explained. We should ask ourselves, the involvement of many to achieve scolding or accusations, but rather himself precisely “in the actions of he challenged, which tools we a single mission demonstrate wis- “the ministry of encouragement his servants”. With obedience and should use against those who ob- dom, but it also results in the emer- which consists in the trust instilling responsibility, like Moses, we have to struct the good with their deceit and gence of a religious witness that Wo rd ”. Hence, “the mission of men take on the “task of working for the violence. God is the only salvation and that of God is to offer strength to the good as if our hands were the hands Returning to the figure of Moses, his presence is guaranteed by our uncertain, and encouragement of God”, Fr Bovati told the Curia. Fr Bovati described the image of surrender to be the only one work- through faith in God”, confiding in God chose the desert to test his Moses on the Mountain as repres- ing for the good. And this, Fr the Lord’s presence and interven- people so that they could mature enting the secret force that leads to Bovati stressed, is the crucial im- tion. Indeed, the power given to with faith. He chose the desert also triumph: immersion in God is the portance of discernment. “It means Moses was not magical. It was a me- to stir Moses and others like him indispensable condition required for submitting everything to a prophetic diation of salvation for the defence- who were capable of helping those the success of the “fight” on earth. spiritual intuition” that knows how less and the poor; the power of mer- who struggled. Indeed, Moses In other words, he added, the out- to recognize what God wants, what ciful love. listened to the cries of those who come of the war is not in the hands God has already put into someone Fr Bovati continued his example suffered even when he did not know of the fighter, Joshua, but in those without their knowledge. And this is of the “night time crossing”, de- how to respond, because that is what of Moses who invokes God. the task of the pastor in today’s scribed in the Gospel of Matthew in God did. As servants of God, then, In his eighth mediation on complicated world. In order to do which the disciples were alone and Fr Bovati continued, we too should Thursday afternoon, Fr Bovati so “theoretical knowledge is not afraid in a boat at the mercy of the experience the dual virtue of listen- paused on the topic of intercession enough. A spiritual gift is required, waves when they saw Jesus ap- ing: listening to the voice of God understood as “an intervention of one that is not communicated on a proaching, walking on the water. In- and, at the same time, listening to loving rescue” towards those in need regular basis but distilled day by stead of feeling reassured, Fr Bovati the cry of the people entrusted to us. of “forgiveness and reconciliation day to help people choose the right pointed out, they were afraid and Fr Bovati’s seventh mediation on with God”; the Sacrament of Recon- path. worried that they were being de- Thursday morning, 5 March, invited ciliation. It is the most spiritual of Fr Bovati’s reflection ended with ceived, as if by a ghost. Jesus, the Roman Curia to join him in ministries, among other things, be- an invitation to meditate on the however, immediately tries to encour- “meditating on the personal commit- cause it presupposes “a true familiar- Gospel passage of Matthew in age and comfort them, telling them ment that the Lord asks of each of ity with God”. which Jesus asks the Apostles to re- to, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear”, us, according to the vocation we re- Sin, Fr Bovati explained, is only turn to Galilee where their vocation and inviting Peter to join him on the ceived, the gift of grace with the du- truly known in prayer, in “the face began, in order to renew their faith. water, symbolically extending this in- ties connected to this grace”. What to face encounter with the Lord”. It This is not a nostalgic request but vitation to all disciples and to the is the first fundamental service that is in listening to his voice that one rather recalling the gift of “following entire Church. History’s mediators the minister of God is called to un- understands the seriousness of sin as Jesus, being with him living accord- eventually followed this invitation, Fr dertake, he asked those present. Ad- an act against God. At the same ing to his Word and his love”. page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 March 2020, number 11

ANGELUS

In an effort to avoid the risk of the spread of COVID-19 among the faithful who gather in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis led the Angelus from the Library of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, on Sunday morning, 8 March, rather than from the window, as customary. The Marian prayer was streamed live by Vatican News. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s reflection.

Close to the people of Idlib The Holy Father recites the Marian prayer from the Library of the Apostolic Palace

Dear Brothers and Sisters, him up a high mountain, symbol their knowledge of their Master, life. We often say: I do not have Good Morning, of closeness to God, to open realizing that the human aspect time to pray, I am unable to carry does not express all his reality; in out a service in the parish, to re- It is a bit strange, this Angelus them to a fuller understanding of their eyes the otherworldly and spond to the requests of others.... prayer today, with the Pope the mystery of his Person, that divine dimension of Jesus is re- But we must not forget that the “caged in” the library, but I can must suffer, die and then rise vealed. And from on High there Baptism and Confirmation we see you, I am close to you. And I again. Indeed, Jesus had begun resounds a voice that says: “This have received has made us wit- would like to begin also by to speak to them of the suffering, nesses, not because of our ability, thanking that group [present in death and Resurrection that is my beloved Son.... Listen to but as a result of the gift of the the Square] that is demonstrating awaited him, but they were un- him” (v. 5). It is the heavenly and fighting “For the forgotten able to accept this prospect. Father who confirms the “investit- Spirit. ones in Idlib”. Thank you! Thank Therefore, once they reached the u re ” — let us call it that — that Je- In the favourable time of Lent, you for what you do. But we are summit of the mountain, Jesus sus already received on the day of may the Virgin Mary obtain for praying the Angelus like this immersed himself in prayer and his Baptism in the Jordan and in- us that docility to the Spirit today to comply with the prevent- was transfigured before the three vites the disciples to listen to him which is indispensable for setting ative measures, so as to avoid disciples: “his face”, says the and to follow him. out resolutely on the path of con- small crowds of people, who Gospel, “shone like the sun, and It must be emphasized that, version. might facilitate the transmission his clothes became white as from among the group of the of the virus. light” (v. 2). Twelve, Jesus chose to take After the Angelus prayer the Holy The Gospel of this second Through the wondrous event James, John and Peter with him Father said: up the mountain. He reserved for Sunday of Lent (cf. Mt 17:1-9), of the Transfiguration, the three Dear Brothers and Sisters, presents to us the account of the disciples are called to recognize them the privilege of witnessing I greet all of you recollected in Transfiguration of Jesus. He in Jesus the Son of God shining the Transfiguration. But why did takes Peter, James and John with with glory. Thus, they advance in he select these three? Because prayer at this moment. I greet in they are the holiest? No. Yet, at particular those participating in the hour of trial, Peter will deny the training course, “Inspiring a him; and the two brothers James new way of communicating”; the and John will ask for the fore- faithful from Torrent, in Spain; most places in his Kingdom (cf. the group from Corato; the Mt 20:20-23). However Jesus young people from Coverciano Pope appeals for prayers does not choose according to our and the children receiving their criteria, but according to his plan First Communion from Monte- for war-torn Syria of love. Jesus’ love is without o dorisio. measure: it is love, and he I am close to you in prayer to After praying the Angelus, the Po- the city of Idlib and of the chooses with that plan of love. It those who are suffering as a result pe’s thoughts turned to the people north-west of Syria — I can see is a free, unconditional choice, a of the current coronavirus epi- suffering in war-torn Syria. you here — compelled to flee free initiative, a divine friendship demic, and to all those who are from the recent escalation in that asks for nothing in return. caring for them. I thought of I greet the Associations and the war. Dear brothers and sis- And just as he called those three them very much during the days groups engaged in solidarity ters, I express my great appre- disciples, so today too he calls I was on retreat. I join with my with the Syrian people, and es- hension, my sorrow at the in- some to be close to him, to be brother bishops in encouraging pecially with the inhabitants of human situation of these hel- able to bear witness. To be wit- the faithful to live this difficult pless people, inclu- nesses to Jesus is a gift we have moment with the strength of ding many children not deserved; we may feel inad- faith, the certainty of hope and whose lives are at equate but we cannot back out the fervour of charity. May the risk. One cannot with the excuse of our incapacity. time of Lent help all of us to give turn away from this We have not been on Mount an evangelical meaning also to humanitarian crisis, Tabor, we have not seen with our this moment of trial and suffer- but instead must own eyes the face of Jesus shining i n g. give it priority over like the sun. However, we too I wish you a good Sunday. every other interest. were given the Word of Salva- And please, do not forget to pray Let us pray for the- tion, faith was given to us, and for me. Now I will look out of we have experienced the joy of se people, these the window, so I can see you a meeting Jesus in different ways. little, in real time. Have a good brothers and sisters Jesus also says to us: “Rise, and lunch, and Ar r i v e d e rc i ! of ours, who suffer have no fear” (Mt 17:7). In this greatly in the nor- world, marked by selfishness and A member of the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the th-west of Syria, in greed, the light of God is ob- “White Helmets”, carrying a child (AFP) the city of Idlib. scured by the worries of everyday