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Fifty-third year, number 18 (2.645) Friday, 1 May 2020

LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL FOR THE MONTH OF MAY The beauty of praying the Rosary at home

For the ’s words, see page 7

General Audience Order of Malta dies Interview with Hon. Sassoli Regina Caeli Stop persecutions Holy Father’s telegram Europe, concrete actions Sunday’s meditation

PAGE 3 PAGE 2 MONDA ON PA G E 4/5 PAGE 8 page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 1 May 2020, number 18

served as of the same archdiocese (25 Apr.). VAT I C A N Bainomugisha, 58, was born in Kashumba, Uganda. ber 1989. He was ordained a bishop He was ordained a priest on 13 July on 14 April 2012, subsequent to his 1991. He was ordained a bishop on BULLETIN 1 October 2005, subsequent to his appointment as Bishop of Mon- appointment as of telibano, Colombia. On 19 May 2018 of Zarna and Vicar Apostolic of Pu- Tacia Montana and Auxiliary of AUDIENCES he was appointed Archbishop of erto Carreño, Colombia (22 Apr.). Mbarara. Popayán, Colombia. Friday, 24 April Bishop Ceballos Escobar, 62, was born in Génova, Colombia. He was Cardinal Marc Ouellet, PSS, The Holy Father accepted the resig- RE L AT I O N S WITH STAT E S ordained a priest on 29 June 1985. of the nation of Archbishop Paul K. Baky- He was ordained a bishop on 30 Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Fer- enga from his office as Archbishop The Holy Father appointed as July 2010, subsequent to his ap- Apostolic in Niger Arch- rer, S J, Prefect of the Congergation pointment as vicar apostolic of Pu- of Mbarara, Uganda (25 Apr.). for the Doctrine of the Faith bishop Michael Francis Crotty, titu- erto Carreño and titular Bishop of The Holy Father appointed Bishop lar Archbishop of Lindisfarna and Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Zarna. Lambert Bainomugisha as Archbish- Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina Faso Prefect of the Congregation for the op of Mbarara. Until now he has (25 Apr.). The Holy Father has accepted the Evangelization of Peoples resignation of Cardinal Rubén Salazar Gómez from his office as CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E Metropolitan Archbishop of Bogotá, Colombia (25 Apr.). The Holy Father accepted the resig- The Holy Father appointed Arch- nation of Bishop Héctor Salah Zu- bishop Luis José Rueda Aparicio as Pope sends condolences to the Order of Malta leta from his office as Bishop of Ri- Archbishop of Bogotá. Until now he ohacha, Colombia (22 Apr.). has served as Archbishop of Popay- Fr a ’ Giacomo Dalla Torre The Holy Father appointed Bishop án, Colombia (25 Apr.). Francisco Antonio Ceballos Escobar, Archbishop Rueda Aparicio, 58, del Tempio di Sanguinetto dies CSSR, as Bishop of Riohacha. Until was born in San Gil, Colombia. He now he has served as titular Bishop was ordained a priest on 23 Novem- The Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto died just after midnight on 29 April in , at the age of 75. After learning of the Grand Master’s passing, addressed a telegram to Pontiff’s Letter to street newspapers Lieutenant ad interim Fra’ Ruy Gonçalo do Valle Peixoto de Villas Boas. The following is a translation of the Pope’s telegram.

I know you will come back Having learnt the news of the passing of His Most Eminent stronger than before Highness Frà Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the entire order. A zealous In a letter on Monday, 27 April, the access fundamental citizens’ rights. man of culture and of faith I recall his total fidelity to Christ Holy Father expressed his solidarity to And not only that. I also think of and to the Gospel, and his generous commitment in carrying out all those involved in street newspapers the experience of more than 100 his office with a spirit of service for the good of the Church, as who have been put to the test in these street newspapers throughout the well as his dedication to those who are suffering the most. difficult times of pandemic. The world, published in 35 countries and As I participate in your communal grief, I raise prayers of suf- following is a translation of his letter. in 25 different languages, that frage and I invoke the Divine Goodness for his soul and eternal provide employment and an income peace. With these sentiments, I wholeheartedly send to you and The lives of millions of people, who to 20,500 homeless people in the to the Grand Magistry, as well as to the family members of the are already facing numerous difficult world. For many weeks now, street late Grand Master, my comforting . challenges in our world and are op- newspapers have not been sold and pressed by the pandemic, have their vendors cannot work. I would FRANCISCUS P P. changed and are being seriously like therefore to express my solidar- tested. Those most vulnerable, the ity with journalists, volunteers, and invisible, those without an abode people living thanks to these pro- run the risk of paying the highest jects who are doing everything they price. can these days through many innov- I would therefore like to acknow- ative ideas. ledge the world of street newspa- The pandemic has made your Pope Francis institutes the pers, and especially their vendors, work difficult but I am sure that the who are largely homeless, terribly great network of street newspapers John Paul I Vatican Foundation marginalized and unemployed: thou- will come back stronger than ever. sands of people across the world Turning our gaze to the poorest The Holy Father, with the Rescriptum ex audientia Ss.mi of 17 February who live and have a job thanks to these days can help us all realize 2020, has instituted the John Paul I Vatican Foundation, in accordance selling these extraordinary newspa- how much is actually happening to with the Code of Law and the fundamental Law of the Vatican p ers. us, and what our condition truly is. City State, thus accepting the proposal to create a body so as to study in In , I think of the beautiful My message of encouragement and depth the person, thought and teachings of his venerable Predecessor, experience of the Caritas project brotherly friendship goes out to you Pope John Paul I — Albino Luciani (26 August 1978 - 28 September 1978) Scarp de’ tenis, which allows more all. Thank you for the work you do, — and to promote the study and dissemination of his writings. than 130 people facing difficulties to for the information you provide, and At the same time, the Supreme Pontiff appointed Cardinal Pietro Pa- have an income; and through it, to for the stories of hope that you tell. rolin, Secretary of State, as President of the Foundation (28 Apr.).

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GENERAL AU D I E N C E

Pope Francis concluded his series of catecheses on the Beatitudes at the General Audience on Wednesday morning, 29 April, and invited the faithful to pray for the many Christians who are currently being persecuted throughout the world for “they are the bleeding limbs of Christ”. The following is a translation of his reflection on the eighth Beatitude (“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven), which he offered in Italian from the library of the .

Pope concludes his series of catecheses on the Beatitudes and recalls today’s many martyrs Stop persecution of Christians in the world

Dear Brothers and Sisters, something uncomfortable in that Christians that they are the “salt Spirit can lead us to have so Good Morning, beauty that demands taking a of the earth” and warns against much love in our heart as to offer stance: either to allow oneself to the danger of “losing their taste” With today’s audience, we con- our life for the world without be questioned and to open one- because in that case, salt “is no clude our journey into the evan- making compromises with its de- self to the good or reject that longer good for anything except gelical Beatitudes. As we have ceit and accepting its rejection. light and harden one’s heart, even to be thrown out and trodden un- heard, the last one proclaims the Compromises with the world until oppression and fury (cf. Wis der foot by men” (Mt 5:13). Thus, escatological joy of those perse- are dangerous: Christians are al- 2:14-15). It is interesting and strik- when we lose the taste of Christ cuted for righteousness’ sake. ways tempted to make comprom- ing to note how hostility grows to and the Gospel, there is also con- ises with the world, with the spirit This Beatitude announces the fury in the persecution of mar- tempt which is our fault. of the world. This — re j e c t i n g same happiness as the first one: tyrs. Just look at the persecutions We have to be faithful to the compromises and journeying on the Kingdom of Heaven belongs of the last century, of the to the persecuted as it does to the humble way of the Beatitudes be- the way of Jesus Christ — is the European dictatorships: how does cause it leads us to be of Christ poor in spirit. We thus under- one get to rage against Christi- life of the Kingdom of Heaven, stand that we have reached the and not of the world. It is worth the greatest joy and true happi- ans, against Christian witness and remembering the journey of end of our joint journey revealed against the heroism of Christians? ness. And, in persecutions there is in the previous proclamations. Paul. When he thought he was a always the presence of Jesus who But this demonstrates that the righteous person, he was in fact a accompanies us, the presence of The poor in spirit, those who tragedy of persecution is also the persecutor, but when he found Jesus who comforts us and the mourn, the meek, those who place of liberation from subjec- out he was a persecutor, he be- strength of the Holy Spirit that thirst for holiness, mercy, the pure tion to the success, vainglory and came a man of love who rejoiced in heart and peacemakers may compromise of the world. What in the suffering of the persecution helps us to go forward. Let us lead to persecution because of makes those who are rejected by inflicted on him (cf. Col 1:24). not be discouraged when a life Christ. However, ultimately this that is faithful to the Gospel the world because of Christ re- If God grants us the grace to persecution is a cause of joy and joice? They rejoice at having draws persecution from people. of great reward in heaven. The be more like the Crucified Christ There is the Holy Spirit who sus- found something that has more and joined to his Passion, then way of the Beatitudes is an Easter tains us in this journey. value than the entire world. In- exclusion and persecution are the path that leads us from a life in deed: “For what does it profit a manifestation of new life. This accord with the world to one of man, to gain the whole world and life is the same as the life of God, from a life led by the flesh SPECIAL GREETINGS forfeit his life?” (Mk 8:36). What Christ who was “despised and re- — that is by selfishness — to one is the advantage there? jected” for us men and women I greet the English-speaking guided by the Spirit. It is painful to recall that in and for our salvation” (cf. Is 53:3; faithful joining us through the With its idols, its compromises this very moment, there are many Acts 8:30-35). Welcoming his media. In the joy of the Risen and its priorities, the world can- Christians in various Christ, I invoke upon you and not accept this kind of life. The parts of the world who your families the loving mercy of “structures of sin”1 that are often are suffering from per- God our Father. May the Lord produced by the human mind, secution, and we must bless you! and are extraneous to the Spirit hope and pray that I offer a special greeting to of truth that the world cannot re- their trials will soon young people e l d e rl y sick ceive, (cf. Jn 14:17), cannot but re- , the , the end. They are many: and newlyweds. I exhort everyone ject poverty or meekness or purity to day’s martyrs out- and declare life according to the to be witnesses of the Risen number the martyrs of Christ who shows his disciples Gospel as a mistake and a prob- the first centuries. Let the now glorious wounds of his lem; thus as something to isolate. us express our close- Passion. I extend my heartfelt This is what the world thinks: ness to these brothers b l e s s i n g. “These [people] are idealists or and sisters. We are a fanatics...”. This is how they single body and these think. Christians are the 1. Cf. Discourse to participants in If the world lives as a function bleeding limbs of the a workshop entitled: “New forms of money, then anyone who body of Christ who is of solidarity: Towards fraternal demonstrates that life can be the Church. Inclusion, Integration and Innov- lived in [self] giving and sacrifice But we also have to ation”, 5 February 2020: “idolatry becomes a nuisance to the system be careful not to read of money, greed and corruption of greed. This word “nuisance” is this Beatitude from a are all ‘structures of sin’ — as key because Christian witness, self commiserating, vic- John Paul II called them — p ro - which is so good for many people timized perspective. In duced by the ‘globalization of in- who follow it, bothers those who fact, mankind’s con- d i f f e re n c e ’”. have a worldly mindset. They see tempt is not always it as chastising. When holiness synonymous with per- appears and the life of the chil- secution: indeed dren of God emerges, there is shortly later, Jesus tells number 18, Friday, 1 May 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 4/5

I N T E R V I E W

with David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament Society needs to be constantly regen- erated. I recall the figure of Senator Roberto Ruffilli, who on 16 April 1988 was barbarously killed by ter- rorists; one thinks that from the Christian point of view to “fertilize” one must give life, the seed that dies produces much fruit. Ruffilli had Europe means concrete attention to people dedicated his whole life to the ideal of freedom and democracy, his book was entitled “Il cittadino come ar- Only together can we emerge from the crisis b i t ro ” [The Citizen as Arbitrator]. Is democracy also at stake today in this crisis in Europe? Yes, in the poverty of politics, is. And at each difficult moment be financed by others; a plan this way of tackling the crisis, fathers handed over to us seventy by ANDREA MONDA I was very close friends with the Council has taken an import- everyone understands that you which, for example, must tell us drawing on the experiences that years ago, and we must invest in Roberto. His testimony is truly We are speaking to David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, ant step forward. We entered [the can’t do it alone, that no one is how much change in our eco- civil societies are having, is very it. Europe cannot be useful only an example. That , Il cittadino by telephone on a highly symbolic date, 25 April. Our conversation re- situation] a month and a half ago self-sufficient. We said that six nomic model we want, how much important because a policy to itself, because it would have no come arbitro is very topical. It volves around the themes of values, freedom, democracy and pluralism with our bare hands; we lacked weeks ago: either we will come we want to invest in reconstruc- without citizens lives in an ivory vision, no horizons. It is of which underlie the anniversary. These are not abstract themes; they are the tools to deal with a crisis that out of this with a better equipped tion on the Green Deal, and di- tower and becomes bureaucracy. course useful to Europeans, to calls upon us to make sure that the “s o u rc e s ” from which the care and attention for the concrete life of was so deep that it will leave im- and stronger European Union, or gital Europe. The pandemic has Therefore, I think that we will our countries to play a part in the everything that comes out of the people come about. Once again, it is from this dimension that we have portant consequences for our so- we will not. To do this now we confronted us with a challenge, emerge from this period by world, otherwise they would be crisis has been done for the to commence in rebuilding a Europe capable of emerging stronger from cieties, in its wake. will need to strengthen the insti- the change of phase, of pace, and strengthening our humanity, marginalized, but it is also useful people, not just to sew up the the tremendous crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, we are emerging from it tutional level of the Union and this must see us being very care- which at this moment is manifest- for the world to have a point of holes within power dynamics. a little better equipped, with make it capable of leading the ful and able to grasp the new ele- ing itself throughout Europe; this reference. We do not want to That is why we must come out of timely interventions, some of ments. We owe this not only to humanity is a great wealth and emerge from this crisis with more this crisis by strengthening demo- On several occasions recently, Pope also concerns the legacy of values new phase. Should we fight which were long overdue, but the tradition and values of will also prove to be this period’s authoritarianism and imperialism, cratic processes. But how many Francis has devoted ample space in that these seventy years have giv- against selfishness? Yes, we they have been made quickly. A Europe; we also owe this to the redemption. Then, we must also but with more democracy and people today are working to di- his discourses to the theme of en us: freedom, democracy, plur- should. Should we fight against decision was taken at the Council people who have died, to the not fall into visions of the en- participation. vide the European area? And why Europe. For example, in the Urbi et alism. I believe that at this time an old nationalist idea that exists on Thursday: to open a “re c o n - people who have left us, to this lightenment, because we know is there so much effort to divide Orbi Easter message he said that: we must be even more proudly in all countries? Yes, we do. But, struction site” to provide a com- pain that the world is feeling. We that it is not sufficient to imagine In an interview with L’O s s e r v a t o re us, to make us weaker, to frag- “After the Second World War, this faithful to European values be- right now we all feel the need for mon European response to the must come out of it by better the new world; we must build it. Romano a few months ago, ment us, to take us back to our continent was able to rise again, the world to be able to deal with cause the world needs them. emergency. This is a step forward; protecting our societies. Recon- We must do this step by step, Massimo Cacciari [University Pro- small homeland? Why is there thanks to a concrete spirit of solid- it if our institutions, the and, it was not a foregone con- struction is made up of many battle after battle, supporting fessor, and former Mayor of Venice] this strong dynamic coming from arity that enabled it to overcome the The European Union (EU) finds European democratic framework, clusion. We must now base this things, it contains many ingredi- every step with consensus, be- used the following expression: outside Europe, that triggers this rivalries of the past. It is more ur- itself in a situation of having to are going to be more robust and reconstruction plan on solidarity. ents. cause democracy is consensus, “Europe is old, decrepit. It needs a desire to weaken us? And yet we gent than ever, especially in the harmonize the ideal that drove the able to take decisions quickly. So, Let me say, however, that I be- and find solutions through shared fertilizer and looking around, I say do not have an army, we do not present circumstances, that these founding fathers, with the concrete- it is not just solutions to the crisis lieve that we will not only come A few days ago, in an interview decisions. This is the time for this as a non-believer, and the only rivalries do not regain force, but ness — including financial —, re- as such; we need solutions to the go to war, we do not invade out of this crisis by straightening with , Andrea Riccardi great reflection on the way polit- fertilizer I see in circulation is the that all recognize themselves as part quired in the various historical and change in phase that this crisis countries ... I believe that the an- out material issues; I believe that [Italian historian, professor, politi- ics works. I would like to stress, , the Catholics”. Ac- of a single family and support one imposes on everyone. Let me give swer is because European values political instances it is facing. To we will come out of this crisis if cian and activist, founder of the however, that we are witnessing cording to you, can the Catholic another. The European Union is what extent is it possible to find the you an example: we cannot and and European law are elements of material issues are combined with do not want to give up freedoms Community of Sant’Egidio] stated extraordinary things that are part Church, Catholics, today play this strong contradiction at the mo- presently facing an epochal chal- difficult but necessary balance on a recovery of values, those that in his opinion the pandemic of the generosity of the men and role to regenerate not the Old Con- lenge, on which will depend its fu- each occasion and now especially? and democracy, but we must also ment with respect to global dy- European values that are essential adapt them so that they are more has not made shared action more women who are fighting at the tinent, but an old continent? namics that see a resumption of ture, and that of the whole world. today. Therefore, it is good to difficult, but easier; consequently, the moment, who are rolling up their The EU is at a change of capable of responding quickly, Yes, they can, but this must not authoritarianism. That is why Let us not lose the opportunity to open up the building site and the cohesion of everyone to try to change sleeves; think of all the associ- phase, which will need vision and to o. be an alibi for those who are not Pope Francis did very well to call give further proof of solidarity, also debate that will follow, while try- the situation. But, he also noted ations that are being mobilized pragmatism. Europe is not built We need to support an exit Catholics, because the risk is to Europeans to take responsibility, by turning to innovative solutions”. ing to reconcile sensibilities, how the EU in the past, and per- throughout Europe at the mo- just by imagining it as en- process to the crisis by reviewing assign a responsibility to Cathol- so that at this moment they can I wanted to ask you, as a Catholic, points of view and interests. The haps even today, has neglected hu- ment: what energy they are lightened. Europe is an immense the way we are. Strengthening ics that must belong to everyone. be a point of reference for re-ap- as a citizen, as a political represent- important thing to stress, man topics, the issues of bonding. demonstrating! I therefore believe area for political debate, and we Europe also means changing It is always a burden on others, propriating values that are truly ative, and as President of the however, is that we have heard all The attention to people that Pope that we can be filled with hope, want it to be more and more so. Europe by adapting the instru- and that is not good. According important for man: the value of European Parliament, what effect the Heads of Government call for Francis insists on reminds us that compared to the fatigue and pain But, we also want it to be an area ments with which we entered the to the Epistle to Diognetus, life, the value of people’s inalien- did the Holy Father make on you a common exit from the crisis. this is the answer to the real prob- of these dramatic events. For us, of participation and not just the storm. I believe this is an effort Christians live within society, not when you heard these words? We are coming out together, oth- lem of European society, of Western this is a necessity: we need to able rights, the right to freedom; crude defense of national in- that concerns Brussels, but it con- outside of it. And others must erwise it would be a decline for societies, the problem of the great charge up and recharge hope, references that we take for gran- The effect was that they were a terests. That is why the European cerns all the capitals, all the also live in society and must col- everyone; this was not to be taken loneliness of people. Paradoxically, and we can only do so if we [the ted, but that are not so just reminder to face this historic area can also be an example and countries; they too must change. laborate. Everyone must do their throughout the world. chapter with responsibility; be- a model for others; not believing for granted a few weeks ago. We also need to have a clear idea the coronavirus, that condemns us to EU] are close to people. isolation, has revealed a fact that part. In Europe there are so many cause, it is true that Europe is a that we are better than others, in the medium and long term sensitivities, so many cultures and Is Cardinal Hollerich of Luxem- community of interests, but it but that we can offer everyone an You have expressed the need for a range about where we want to go, was already present, this great What role can the European Union “Marshall Plan” for the recovery, loneliness. Is it for politics to re- play in the global post-pandemic everyone must carry their own bourg right then, in saying recently cannot but be other than a com- important asset. We must show what we want to do and how we share of the responsibility. Cer- in “La Civiltà Cattolica”: “E u ro p e munity with a common destiny. that in freedom, in democracy, re- financed directly by the Member want to rebuild. Do we want to spond to this, and how? setting? Can the EU become a role States of the Union. A strategy that model? tainly Catholics, Christians, will cannot be rebuilt without an idea of In addition, at this moment, the specting the fundamental rights return to putting the clock back I am convinced that this phase, would highlight the strength of the do this, but at this moment I be- Europe without ideals”? Holy Father’s call is particularly of individuals and the value of or do we want to set the clock at even as painful as it is, is bring- It has to become a model, be- European Union, but above all its lieve that it is Europe as a whole important because he asks us to life, we live better and we can im- the right time, in which, with ing out so many elements of hu- cause otherwise it would have no Certainly. But, we do have ability to be cohesive and supportive. that must have broad shoulders be attentive to everyone. I believe prove standards of living. If great difficulty, history has placed manity. Politics, too, when it function. Unfortunately, in the ideals even if we find it so hard This is what I have interpreted as to assume a function in the eyes that this is the moment when the Europe crumbles, who else in the us? Today, the clock cannot be comes out of its oppositions, per- European area there are viruses to express them. The problem is the message that we really need: of the world. For Christians, I be- Europe of States, of nations, of world today would hold high the turned back. In this, Pope Fran- haps even makes this humanity other than Covid, which have al- that all too often, each nations’ proximity and not distance. From lieve it is natural to think that the governments, can strengthen its banner of human rights? Today, cis’ strong appeal to us is all the evident. I am referring, for ex- ways tormented the European selfishness, that mean-spirited na- the role you play, do you perceive life of others, of those who are institutions, to be close to all cit- the world is asking for more more precious, he is right and he ample, to certain measures, to spirit. One is certainly anti-Semit- tionalist feeling, the idea that “I that there has been a snap, a outside of our space, is the same izens, those of the north and democracy, not less. grasps the point, because demo- good practices that many ism and the other is nationalism, am better than the other”, pre- change, that the social dimension as ours, that they should have the those of the south. To do what? cracy is strengthened if it looks to European governments, both in which are catalysts that produce vents us from unfolding our po- has entered the centre of the same rights. This is normal for First of all, to review its own The Pope says: “To give further the people, to every person, to the north and in the south, are division, enemy construction, tential and manifesting our iden- European Union’s thinking? Christians. That is why I believe model of development, to be able proof of solidarity also by resorting the interests and needs of every adopting at the moment and hatred, and even wars in Europe. that Pope Francis’ words are im- tity. I believe that this crisis could to better protect people and also to innovative solutions”: at the con- Yes, because week after week person. So, the challenge is to re- which could perhaps be useful We must make the European pressing everyone and are calling be an opportunity to free to safeguard those values that the crete level, can the measures that everyone has become aware of the connect, to rediscover a vocation. and serve as examples. In Por- area, which it already is, even everyone to [a sense of] respons- ourselves from the many chains Holy Father summoned, and came out of the European Council depths of the crisis. And how in- Then it is true, we have a plan tugal, a law has been passed to more a point of reference; but, an ibility, even non-believers. that bind us. which are an indispensable ele- on April 23, for example the Recov- terdependent and connected the for reconstruction, a “Marshall give a fictitious address to home- area of freedom cannot live ment in sustaining the challenges ery Fund, be considered one of those economies of individual states Plan”, which, however, unlike the less people and migrants so as to without responsibility and solid- that the global world proposes to innovative solutions of which the are. Europe is built with its crises, Second World War, must be fin- permit them access to social care arity. I believe that this is us. We have a responsibility that Pope speaks? Jean Monnet said. That is how it anced by Europeans and will not and health services. I believe that Europ e’s vocation, which our page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 1 May 2020, number 18

Tuesday, 7 April “mouth and the heart of a disciple”. His love demic, “we will either bet on life, in favour of of money led him beyond rules, and the Pope the resurrection of our people, or we will bet For people suffering from added, there is only a small step that separ- on the god of money”. Betting on money unjust sentences ates stealing from betraying. Indeed, “those would mean choosing the tomb of hunger, who love money too much betray [others] in slavery, war and arms production, leaving During his homily for Holy Mass at Santa order to have even more”. Thus despite hav- children without education. Marta on Tuesday morning, 7 April, Pope ing had good intentions at first, Judas be- At the end of his homily, the Holy Father Francis spoke about the importance of recog- comes a traitor. prayed that the Lord will help us to always The story of Judas also reveals that the dev- nizing that we were chosen. Commenting on choose the good of the people and not to fall il is a poor paymaster: “He is not reliable. He the day’s first Reading (Is 49:1-6), he said that into the tomb of the god of money. promises everything, shows you everything just like the prophet Isaiah had been chosen and in the end leaves you alone in despair to before he was born, so we too were chosen hang yourself”. In fact, when Judas, restless Tuesday, 14 April from our mothers’ womb with the vocation of and tormented between greed and love of serving. “Each one of us has a destiny ... the Jesus, returns to the priests to ask for forgive- For greater unity destiny of being chosen by God”, he ex- ness, they turn their backs on him and his plained. We were chosen, “to be a child of d e s p a i r. During his homily at Santa Marta on Tuesday God, to be a servant of God with the task of There are many “institutionalised Judases in morning, 14 April, Pope Francis commented serving”. this world who exploit people”, the Holy on Peter’s invitation to conversion on Pente- Jesus is our example of service as his glory Father said, but he reminded the faithful that cost (Acts 2:36-41). To repent, he said, means was to serve until death, the Holy Father con- there is also some of Judas in each of us, es- returning to faithfulness. “There are always il- tinued. Indeed, to serve is not to demand any pecially when we have to choose between loy- lusions that attract our attention, and often benefit for ourselves other than that of alty and self interest. We all “have the ability we follow after these illusions”. However, the serving. When we distance ourselves from the to betray” and the opportunity to be attracted Holy Father pointed out, we are called to be attitude of serving, this makes us “people who “by love of money, goods or future well- faithful both in good times and in bad ones. have apostasized” which leads to building b eing”. Self assuredness, Pope Francis warned, leads to unfaithfulness as witnessed by the first King of Judah, Rehoboam (2 Chr 12:1) who felt that his kingdom was so secure that he abandoned the Lord’s law and all of Israel Morning Mass at the Domus followed him. “Many times when we feel se- cure we begin to make plans and we slowly drift away from the Lord”. This is because we Sanctae Marthae believe that our security no longer comes from the Lord but rather from an idol. However, feeling secure is not a bad thing, said Pope Francis. “It is a grace: being secure in the knowledge that the Lord is with me”. lives based on other kinds of love that are of- But when we place ourselves at the centre, we ten idolatrous and cause the loss of vocation. stop being faithful and security becomes a Pope Francis stressed the importance of our crutch that leads to sin. And this occurs often, attitude before the God who chose us and for the “history of Israel, and the whole his- anointed us as servants. With the exception of tory of the Church is full of infidelity”. In- Our Lady and Jesus, he said, we have all deed, Pope Francis continued, “even among fallen and because of this, Peter’s example us, between people, faithfulness is not a virtue should serve as an inspiration. When he that is highly valued”. denied Jesus, Peter cried and repented. This, The day’s Gospel Reading from John the Pope continued is the path that we (21:11-18) offers a key to understanding fidelity should follow: the path of a servant who asks in the figure of Mary Magdalene who waited for forgiveness when he or she falls. The other and wept outside Jesus’ tomb. She “is an icon path, the one followed by Judas, is the path of fidelity.... She was there, faithful before the of the servant who is unable to understand that he has fallen, resulting in the heart being impossible, before the tragedy. Hers is a faith- open to passions that lead to idolatry. At the fulness that led her to think she could carry end of his homily, the Holy Father invited the away his body”. Pope Francis prayed that we faithful to remember that our vocation is to may have the grace to be faithful “even before serve and prayed that like Peter, we too may the tomb and the collapse of so many illu- be able to weep when we slip and fall. sions” and to thank him when he gives us se- c u r i t y.

Wednesday, 8 April Monday, 13 April Wednesday, 15 April For the conversion of those who For just solutions in the aftermath For the elderly and the isolated exploit the needy of the pandemic On Wednesday 15 April, during his homily As he celebrated Mass on Holy Wednesday, 8 The Holy Father began Holy Mass at Santa for Holy Mass at Santa Marta, Pope Francis April, the Holy Father reflected on slavery. Marta on Easter Monday, 13 April, with a continued his reflection from the previous day “Betrayal Wednesday” which recalls Judas prayer that government leaders, scientists and on fidelity, and Mary Magdalene as the icon selling the Master, makes us think of the slave politicians may find the right way to emerge of fidelity. Our fidelity to God “is nothing trade from Africa to America, in which Ju- from the aftermath of the pandemic with solu- more than a response to God’s fidelity”. In dases sold their brothers and sisters and ex- tions that take into account the good of the the day’s first Reading a cripple person is ploited them for work. These Judases still ex- p eople. healed in the name of Jesus. This, the Pope ist today, Pope Francis pointed out. They are During the homily, he reflected on the explained is an example of fidelity. God is those who traffic in human beings. However, day’s Gospel of Matthew in which the Risen capable “of redoing things, or re-creating … a Jesus said “you cannot serve God and Lord exhorts some women to ask his disciples money”; you cannot serve two masters, thus to go to Galilee to meet him. Meanwhile the recreation that is more wonderful than cre- leaving us with two choices: “either serve God priests who know that Jesus’ body is missing, ation”, the Pope said. God’s faithfulness is a and you will be free in adoration and service, decide to bribe the soldiers so that they like a free feast for us all, he added. or serve money and you will be a slave to would say that the disciples had stolen the Like a good shepherd who never grows money”. body. When we hide facts, the Pope ex- tired of seeking his lost sheep, God’s divine Many people want to serve God and plained, we serve the god of money as the faithfulness led him to seek Peter even after money which is impossible, the Pope said, priests tried to do in hiding the evidence and Peter had denied him during his Passion. Je- and they become hidden exploiters, who ap- the truth of the resurrection. This, he stressed, sus appeared to him for the first time after the pear socially flawless at the same time as they is pure corruption. Resurrection because God’s faithfulness, the exploit their brothers and sisters. “Human ex- The women in the Gospel, Pope Francis Pope underlined, always precedes our own. ploitation is selling one’s neighbour”, the explained, present us with a human choice Therefore, to be faithful, he explained, is to Pope warned. that still applies today. It is the choice praise this fidelity and to be faithful to it, The Pope then turned to the figure of Ju- between the joy and hope of Jesus’ R e s u r re c - faithful to his promise. He “walks with his das. Although the Lord called him to be a tion and nostalgia for the tomb. We have this people, carrying out his promise close to his disciple, Judas was never able to have the same choice today. In the time after this pan- p eople”. number 18, Friday, 1 May 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Letter to the Faithful for the month of May The beauty of praying the Rosary at home

In this time of social isolation due the within the family. The restrictions of the my prayers, especially those suffering most pandemic “I want to encourage everyone to pandemic have made us come to appreciate greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at all the more this “family” aspect, also from me. I thank you, and with great affection I home in the month of May”. For the upcoming a spiritual point of view. send you my blessing. month of May, the Holy Father addressed a For this reason, I want to encourage Letter to the many faithful throughout the everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying Rome, Saint John Lateran, 25 April 2020 world accompanied by two prayers to Our the Rosary at home in the month of May. Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist Lady. The Letter and the prayers were This can be done either as a group or indi- broadcast on Saturday, 25 April. The following vidually; you can decide according to your is the English text of the Pope’s letter and the own situations, making the most of both two Marian prayers. The first prayer is the one opportunities. The key to doing this is al- the Pontiff addressed to Our Lady of Divine ways simplicity, and it is easy also on the in- Love in a video message on the occasion of the ternet to find good models of prayers to fol- Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vicar Angelo De l o w. Donatis on 11 March, Diocesan Day of I am also providing two prayers to Our Prayer and Fasting. The second Marian Lady that you can recite at the end of the prayer is for this occasion. Rosary, and that I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you. I include them with this letter so that Dear Brothers and Sisters, they are available to everyone. The month of May is approaching, a time Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating when the People of God express with par- the face of Christ with the heart of Mary ticular intensity their love and devotion for our Mother will make us even more united the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in as a spiritual family and will help us over- this month to pray the Rosary at home come this time of trial. I keep all of you in

Free us from this terrible pandemic

The Second Prayer Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers “We fly to your protection, and volunteers who are on the frontline of this O Holy Mother of God”. emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant In the present tragic situation, when the whole them strength, generosity and continued world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly health. to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection. Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying us amid this coronavirus pandemic. to help and support everyone. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and Be close to those who are concerned for their women engaged in scientific research, that they loved ones who are sick and who, in order to may find effective solutions to overcome this prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be v i ru s . Giovanni Battista Ramenghi, close to them. Fill with hope those who are “Our Lady of the Rosary with ” (1585) troubled by the uncertainty of the future and Support national leaders, that with wisdom, the consequences for the economy and solicitude and generosity they may come to the employment. aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to inspired by farsightedness and solidarity. God, the Father of mercies, that this great Mary, sign of salvation and hope suffering may end and that hope and peace Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the the enormous funds invested in developing First Prayer to Our Lady and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on sick and the victims be comforted, and their O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a hearts be opened to confidence and trust. promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus’ members of one great family and to recognize suffering, and persevered in your faith. the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to “Protectress of the Roman people”, you know our alleviate countless situations of poverty and needs, and we know that you will provide, so that, need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may service, constant in prayer. return after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what your children in distress and pray that God Jesus tells us. For he took upon himself our will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows to us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the serenely resume its normal course. Resurrection. Amen. To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. always from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Amen. V i rg i n . page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 1 May 2020, number 18

REGINA CAELI

Pope Francis invited the faithful to embrace a turning point involving a shift from thoughts about ‘I’ to thoughts about the reality of God during the Regina Caeli on Sunday, 26 April. Commenting on the day’s Gospel passage from Luke which tells of the disciples of Emmaus, he said we can do this at home by opening our heart to Jesus, listening to him and praying. The following is a translation of the Holy Fa t h e r ’s words which he delivered in Italian from the library of the Apostolic Palace.

“On the road to Emmaus” by He Qi

The Pontiff talks about the disciples of Emmaus Shifting thoughts from ‘I’ to God

Dear Brothers and Sisters, going around and around.... To And this does not help nor allow events, no uphill path, no night Good Morning! leave that behind and to go for- us to grow well. From “if” to that cannot be faced with Jesus. ward looking at the greatest and “yes”; from complaints to the joy May Our Lady, Mother of the To day’s Gospel, which takes truest reality of life: Jesus lives, of service. place on the day of the Passover, journey, who by receiving the Jesus loves me describes the episode of the two . This is the greatest How did this change of pace, Word made her entire life a “yes” disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24:13- reality. And I can do something from “I” to “Go d”, from “if” to to God, show us the way. 35). It is a story that begins and for others. It is a beautiful reality: “yes”, occur within the disciples? ends on the move. There is in fact, positive, bright, beautiful! This is By meeting Jesus: the two dis- After praying the Regina Caeli, the the outbound journey of the dis- the turning point: to go from ciples of Emmaus first open their Holy Father continued: ciples who, saddened by the epi- thoughts about I to the reality of hearts to him, then they listen to my God; going — with another him explain the Scriptures and Dear brothers and sisters, yes- logue of Jesus’ story, leave Jerus- terday was United Nations World alem and return home to Em- play on words — from “if” [se in then they invite him home. These Italian] to “yes” [sì in Italian]. are three steps that we too can Malaria Day. While we are com- maus, walking some 11 kilometres. batting the coronavirus pandemic, It is a journey that takes place From “if” to “yes”. What does take in our homes: f i rs t , opening this mean? “If he had freed us, if our hearts to Jesus, entrusting we must also continue our efforts during the day, much of it down- to prevent and cure malaria, hill. And there is the return jour- God had listened to me, if life him with the burdens, the hard- had gone as I wanted, if I had ships, the disappointments of life, which threatens billions of people ney: another 11 kilometres, but at in many countries. I am close to nightfall, partly an uphill journey this and that…”, in a tone of entrusting the “ifs” to him, and complaint. This “if” is not help- then, the second step, listening to all the sick, to those who care for after the fatigue of the outward them, and to those who work to journey and the entire day. Two ful, it is not fruitful. It helps Jesus, taking the Gospel in hand, ensure that every person has ac- trips: one easy in daytime, and neither us nor others. Here are reading this passage in chapter 24 cess to good basic healthcare. the other tiring at night. Yet the our “ifs”, similar to those of the of Luke’s Gospel on this very first takes place in sadness, the two disciples, whom however, day; t h i rd , praying to Jesus, in the I also address a greeting to all second in joy. In the first one, move to a yes: “Yes, the Lord is same words as those disciples: those in Poland who are particip- there is the Lord walking beside alive, he walks with us. Yes, we “Lord, ‘stay with us’ (v. 29). Lord, ating today in the “National them, but they do not recognise continue our journey to announce stay with me. Lord, stay with all Scripture Reading Day”. I have him; in the second one they do it now, not tomorrow”. “Yes, I of us, because we need you to told you many times, and I not see him anymore, but they can do this for the people so that find the way”. And without you, would like to say once again, how feel him near them. In the first they may be happier, so that there is night. important it is to get into the they are discouraged and hope- people may better themselves, to Dear brothers and sisters, we habit of reading the Gospel, for a less; in the second they run to help many people. Yes, yes I are always journeying in life. And few minutes, every day. Let us bring the good news of the en- can”. From “if” to “yes”, from we become what we go towards. carry it in our pockets, in our counter with the Risen Jesus to complaints to joy and peace, be- Let us choose the way of God, bags. May it always be close to the others. cause when we complain, we are not of self; the way of “yes”, not us, even physically, so that we The two different paths of not joyful; we are in the grey, the way of “if”. We will discover read it a little every day. In a few those first disciples tell us, Jesus’ greyness, that grey air of sadness. that there are no unexpected days’ time the month of May will disciples today, that in life we begin, which is dedicated espe- have two opposite directions be- cially to the Virgin Mary. In a fore us: there is the path of those short Letter published yesterday, who, like those two on the out- I invited all the faithful to pray bound journey, allow themselves the Holy Rosary this month, to be paralysed by life’s disap- either with your families or on pointments and proceed sadly; your own, and to recite one of and there is the path of those the two prayers that I have made who do not put themselves and available to everyone. Our Moth- their problems first, but rather Je- er will help us face this time of sus who visits us, and the broth- difficulty we are experiencing ers who await his visit, that is, with greater faith and hope. our brothers who are waiting for I wish you all a happy month us to take care of them. Here is of May, and a happy Sunday. the turning point: to stop orbit- Please do not forget to pray for ing around one’s self; the disap- me. Enjoy your lunch. Ar r i v e d e rc i . pointments of the past, the un- realised ideals, the many bad things that have happened in our life. Very often we tend to keep