The Pope received in audience the Comboni Missionaries who had gathered in Rome for the Chapter until June 30th. And he insisted on the “going beyond” aspect and avoiding the temptation of selfreferentiality.
Bianca Fraccalvieri Vatican News
The style of the missionary was the theme of the Pope’s address to the participants of the General Chapter of the Comboni Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, received in audience this Saturday. Francis was even invited by the Capitulars to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart in them next Friday. “Thank you,” he replied, but “I will participate with prayer.”
Hear the full report with the voice of Pope Francis
Go beyond or “broke”
“I am the vine, you are the branches” is the theme of the 19th chapter that inspired the Holy Father’s discourse. The Pope recalled Jesus’ words to the disciples who, without him, can do nothing. “When we are firmly connected to the vine, the sap of the Spirit flows unto us from Christ, and whatever we do will bear fruit, for it is not our labor but the love of Christ that works through us.”
Francis insisted on the “going beyond” aspect and avoiding the temptation of selfreferentiality.
“But when we start with this psychology that reflects spirituality, we stop going further and keep coming back to our sick heart: We all have our sick heart and God’s grace saves us. ‘Broken’ (ruined) without mercy. The important thing is with the spirit to go beyond that.”
This is the mystery of the Christian life, Francis added, especially in mission, wherever it may be, in Europe, Africa or other continents. The missionary is the disciple so united to the Master that his hands, mind and heart are “channels” of Christ’s love. He is not a proselyte. And what do you take with you on a mission? Mercy, compassion and tenderness.
“Mercy, tenderness is a universal language that knows no borders,” said the Pope.
The “hell” of some communities
However, God’s style must be lived in community, which is another aspect discussed by the capitulators through four themes: order of life, formation, service, and community of goods.
“So often we see that some religious communities are a real hell, a hell of jealousy, power struggle and where is the love?” asked the Pope, recalling the importance of witnessing love, which is what attracts people.
“I would like to emphasize that here too, in the work on these four aspects which are interconnected everything must be done in the docility of the Spirit, so that the necessary plans, projects and initiatives all meet the needs of evangelization.”
Finally, Francis blesses the Comboni Missionaries and wishes them a good continuation of their work.
The 19th The General Chapter will be held until June 30th in the General House of the Institute in Rome. The capitulars are sixtynine plus four observers. There are 24 different nationalities: 30 Africans, 28 Europeans, 11 Americans. The countries of origin with the most capitulators are: Italy (13), Uganda (7), DR Congo (6), Mexico, Spain and Portugal.