YOUNG PEOPLE, FAITH AND VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT
My Dear Young People,
I am pleased to announce that in October 2018 a Synod of Bishops will take place to treat the topic: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.” I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart. Today, the Preparatory Document is being presented, a document which I am also entrusting to you as your “compass” on this synodal journey.
I am reminded of the words which God spoke to Abraham: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Gen 12.1). These words are now also addressed to you. They are words of a Father who invites you to “go”, to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God’s voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.
When God said to Abram, “Go!”, what did he want to say? He certainly did not say to distance himself from his family or withdraw from the world. Abram received a compelling invitation, a challenge, to leave everything and go to a new land. What is this “new land” for us today, if not a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth?
But unfortunately, today, “Go!” also has a different meaning, namely, that of abuse of power, injustice and war. Many among you are subjected to the real threat of violence and forced to flee their native land. Their cry goes up to God, like that of Israel, when the people were enslaved and oppressed by Pharaoh (cf. Ex 2:23).
I would also remind you of the words that Jesus once said to the disciples who asked him: “Teacher […] where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see” (Jn 1:38). Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him. Dear young people, have you noticed this look towards you? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this urge to undertake this journey? I am sure that, despite the noise and confusion seemingly prevalent in the world, this call continues to resonate in the depths of your heart so as to open it to joy in its fullness. This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life. Even when the journey is uncertain and you fall, God, rich in mercy, will extend his hand to pick you up.
In Krakow, at the opening of the last World Youth Day, I asked you several times: “Can we change things?” And you shouted: “yes!”. That shout came from your young and youthful hearts, which do not tolerate injustice and cannot bow to a “throw-away culture” nor give in to the globalization of indifference. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves! Even when you feel, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: “Do not be afraid, […], because I am with you to deliver you” (Jer 1:8).
A better world can be built also as a result of your efforts, your desire to change and your generosity. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who proposes bold choices; do not delay when your conscience asks you to take risks in following the Master. The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls. St. Benedict urged the abbots to consult, even the young, before any important decision, because “the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best.” (Rule of St. Benedict, III, 3).
LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE PREPARATORY DOCUMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
THE DELEGATION IN KENYA
On 16 December 2016, on the occasion of the Christmas greetings offered by the ambassador of Italy, Signor Mauro Massoni, to Kenya, in Nairobi, the title of KNIGHT was bestowed on Father Emilio Balliana.
This honour by the Italian government was conferred because of the work engaged in over twenty-five years by Fr. Emilio in Karungu, above all for sick people and especially those with AIDS, and for the children helped by the support given by the Dala Kiye Centre, as well as for his role in the latest project now being implemented to achieve ‘clean water’ for the local community. Fr. Emilio received the honour expressing profound gratitude to those who have believed in him and supported him during these years of work.
THE PROVINCE OF SICILY AND NAPLES
Our young Camillian religious Salvatore Pontillo will be ordained a deacon on 16 February of this year at 18.00 at the chapel of the ‘Monaldi’ Hospital of Naples.
A SURPRISE VISIT was made by the Cardinal of Naples, Crescenzio Sepe, to the Camillian Hospital of Santa Maria della Pietà of Casoria. He talked to a number of patients and some of the religious of the community.
THE PROVINCE OF BURKINA FASO
On 28 December 2016, an emergency unit and a section for various kinds of patients held to be infectious were inaugurated in the city of Nanoro, thirty kilometres from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The management of this institution is entrusted to our religious of the new Province of Burkina Faso. This is a concrete sign of the love of God and of doing good to others on the occasion of the Year of Mercy.
THE DELEGATION OF TAIWAN
A visit of the Superior General, Fr. Leocir Pessini, and the Secretary General of the Order, to the religious of the Delegation of Taiwan (19-22 January 2017) took place on the occasion of the inauguration in Lotung of the new home and rehabilitation centre for the elderly which is dedicated to the Camillian missionary Br. Renato Marinello.
On 22 December 2016, a Holy Mass was celebrated for old and young people with disabilities of the ‘St. Camillus’ Centre. During the Holy Mass of Christmas Eve in our parish of Lotung, twelve catechumens were baptised.
On 25 December in the church dedicated to St. Camillus the ceremony took place of the first communion and baptism of another six catechumens.
THE DAUGHTERS OF ST CAMILLUS
The programme of events for the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the foundation of the institute of the Daughters of St. Camillus is a rich one and will be put into effect in Rome and Grottaferrata on 28 January to 5 February 2017.
On 2 February, at 11.00, for this occasion, Fr. Leocir Pessini will preside over the solemn celebration of the Eucharist in the rectory of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Campo Marzio, during which two Daughters of St. Camillus, Sr. Fidelia (from Peru) and Sr. Gelane (from the Philippines), will make their solemn profession of vows.
Download the complete programme here.
ROME – THE RECTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE
On Thursday 2 February, at 19.00, His Excellency Msgr. Gianrico Ruzza, the new auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Rome (central district), will preside over the Holy Mass on the feast day of the presentation of the Lord on the Day for Consecrated Life, a day that also commemorates the event of the conversion of St. Camillus de Lellis (2 February 1575).
THE VICE-PROVINCE OF PERU
This month we have accompanied in our prayers some young men of the Vice-Province of Peru who during January began their pathway of the novitiate.
On Saturday 7 January of this year, during vespers of the Solemnity of Epiphany, our young religious, Luis Pérez Edinson Dávila and Manuel Garcia Minga, after ending their year of the novitiate, made their first religious professions in the Church of Santa Maria de la Buenamuerte. We here share with you some photographs of this special day for our Vice-Province and the families of both these young religious.
THE PROVINCE OF SPAIN
In the chapel of the community of St. Camillus Centre of Tres Cantos (Madrid), on Sunday 22 January of this year, the renewal of the temporary vows of the religious Michelangelo Sacco and Francisco Berola, both from the Delegation of Argentina, was celebrated.
THE DELEGATION IN CHILE
Basil Darker Gaete, the second Chilean Camillian after twelve years of presence in Chile of the Camillians, has renewed his vows.
The Promotion of the Camillian charism in Chile
Pictures taken at the end of the course on humanisation of hospital personnel and the humanisation of parishes whose subject was ‘Self-esteem (New Medical Products and Healing Spirituality’.
Group photograph at the end of the spiritual retreat of the Lay Camillian Family of Chile (San Bernardo and Talca)
Pictures of the congress on spirituality organised by the Pontifical Catholic University. Fr. Pietro Magliozzi gave a paper at this congress.
THE PROVINCE OF BRAZIL
The Camillian community of Brazil is honoured to announce that Fr. Alexandre Martins Andrade has successfully defended his doctoral thesis, discussing it on 13 December 2016 at the Marquette University di Milwaukee (USA). The academic work of Fr. Alexandre concentrated on global public health: he carried out research into parts of the poor communities of Brazil, Bolivia and Haiti, supporting the participation of poor people in decision-making processes concerning public health-care policies and initiatives involving health care. One of the members of the examining board praised the thesis with the following words: ‘Your work is radical: it is urgently necessary to bring back poor people into the debate about public health care in the social-political field and in the academic world…This is a work that builds bridges between realities and people’. Fr. Alexandre received the title of doctor of research in theological ethics and health care at the Marquette University.
A Haiti Report: a personal reflecrion in liberation spirituality
On 29 January 2017, the Province of Brazil will celebrate the temporary religious profession of two of its members: Edson da Silva Pires and Gabriel Anferson Barbosa. The celebration will take place at the ‘capela de Recanto Sao Camilo’.
THE AGENDA OF THE SUPERIOR GENERAL AND THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CONSULTA
Fr. Leocir Pessini, together with the Secretary General, was in Thailand and Vietnam (8-11 January) and in Taiwan (19-22 January), visiting our religious, from 6 to 29 January 2017.
On 10 February of this year, Fr. Pessini will take part in a Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and an audience with Pope Francis on the occasion of the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the institution of the World Day of the Sick (11 February).
On 11-16 February 2017 Fr. Pessini will make a visit to the Camillian Delegation in the United States of America.
On 18-25 February 2017, Fr. Aris Miranda, after going to Nepal for a final survey of the emergency initiatives of CADIS after the earthquake in that region, will be in India to take part in the Provincial general chapter of that religious Province.
On 20 February to 1 March 2017, Fr. Leocir Pessini and Fr. Laurent Zoungrana will make a visit to our religious in Indonesia (the section for formation). A series of papers will be offered on pastoral care in health and on the Camillian charism to the local seminarians.
On 5-10 March 2017, Br. José Ignacio Santaolalla and Fr. Laurent Zoungrana will be in Benin-Togo to take part in the general chapter of that Vice-Province.
THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL STATUTES OF THE ORDER
Being near to the by now imminent general chapters of the Provinces, Vice-Provinces and Delegations of the Order, we offer again by the link to be found beneath the Italian version – the editio typica for all the translations into other languages – of the Constitution and the General Statutes of the Order.
Following their approval by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CIVCSVA) of the Holy See, they have already been published in paper form in Camilliani/Camillians and on the official web site www.camilliani.org in the section ‘Essential Texts’. In a short while, their official publication in book format will take place.
INSERISCI PDF
DECEASED RELIGIOUS
The community of the Daughters of St. Camillus has announced:
- On 27 December 2016, the death of the woman religious Sidonie Sarré, aged 47, after 20 years of religious profession.
- On 9 January 2017, the death of Sr. Dionisia Barrera, at the age of 90, after 55 years of religious profession, in Arguello-Cordoba (Argentina)
INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS OF THE ORDER FOR THE YEAR 2017
International meeting of Camillian parish priests in San Paolo, Brazil, on 19-24 April 2017. We thank the Province of Brazil which has taken responsibility for all the logistical organisation of this event.
Course of Formation for Major Superiors of the Order. On 24 June to 2 July 2017 a meeting – course of formation – for the Major Superiors of the Order will be organised in Rome at the generalate house of the Brothers of Christian Schools.
International Meeting of the Providers of Formation of the Order. On 13-19 October 2017, an international meeting of those providing formation and those engaged in the promotion of vocations of the Order will be held in Rome. The focus of the meeting will be dialogue and sharing to achieve an updating of the handbook on formation.
MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
2017
Ostia 3 maggio 2015.
Papa Francesco in visita alla Parrocchia romana «Santa Maria Regina Pacis», Piazza Regina Pacis, Lido di Ostia
Amazement at what God has accomplished:
“The Almighty has done great things for me…” (Lk 1:49)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On 11 February next, the Twenty-fifth World Day of the Sick will be celebrated throughout the Church and in a special way at Lourdes. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Amazement at what God has accomplished: ‘The Almighty has done great things for me….’” (Lk 1:49). Instituted by my predecessor Saint John Paul II in 1992, and first celebrated at Lourdes on 11 February 1993, this Day is an opportunity to reflect in particular on the needs of the sick and, more generally, of all those who suffer. It is also an occasion for those who generously assist the sick, beginning with family members, health workers and volunteers, to give thanks for their God-given vocation of accompanying our infirm brothers and sisters. This celebration likewise gives the Church renewed spiritual energy for carrying out ever more fully that fundamental part of her mission which includes serving the poor, the infirm, the suffering, the outcast and the marginalized (cf. John Paul II, Motu Proprio Dolentium Hominum, 11 February 1985, 1). Surely, the moments of prayer, the Eucharistic liturgies and the celebrations of the Anointing of the Sick, the sharing with the sick and the bioethical and theological-pastoral workshops to be held in Lourdes in those days will make new and significant contributions to that service.
Even now, I am spiritually present at the grotto of Massabielle, before the statue of the Immaculate Virgin, in whom the Almighty has done great things for the redemption of mankind. I express my closeness to all of you, our suffering brothers and sisters, and to your families, as well as my appreciation for all those in different roles of service and in healthcare institutions throughout the world who work with professionalism, responsibility and dedication for your care, treatment and daily well-being. I encourage all of you, the sick, the suffering, physicians, nurses, family members and volunteers, to see in Mary, Health of the Infirm, the sure sign of God’s love for every human being and a model of surrender to his will. May you always find in faith, nourished by the Word and by the Sacraments, the strength needed to love God, even in the experience of illness.
Like Saint Bernadette, we stand beneath the watchful gaze of Mary. The humble maiden of Lourdes tells us that the Virgin, whom she called “the Lovely Lady”, looked at her as one person looks at another. Those simple words describe the fullness of a relationship. Bernadette, poor, illiterate and ill, felt that Mary was looking at her as a person. The Lovely Lady spoke to her with great respect and without condescension. This reminds us that every person is, and always remains, a human being, and is to be treated as such. The sick and the those who are disabled, even severely, have their own inalienable dignity and mission in life. They never become simply objects. If at times they appear merely passive, in reality that is never the case.
After her visit to the Grotto, thanks to her prayer, Bernadette turned her frailty into support for others. Thanks to her love, she was able to enrich her neighbours and, above all, to offer her life for the salvation of humanity. The fact that the Lovely Lady asked her to pray for sinners reminds us that the infirm and the suffering desire not only to be healed, but also to live a truly Christian life, even to the point of offering it as authentic missionary disciples of Christ. Mary gave Bernadette the vocation of serving the sick and called her to become a Sister of Charity, a mission that she carried out in so exemplary a way as to become a model for every healthcare worker. Let us ask Mary Immaculate for the grace always to relate to the sick as persons who certainly need assistance, at times even for the simplest of things, but who have a gift of their own to share with others.
The gaze of Mary, Comfort of the Afflicted, brightens the face of the Church in her daily commitment to the suffering and those in need. The precious fruits of this solicitude for the world of suffering and sickness are a reason for gratitude to the Lord Jesus, who out of obedience to the will of the Father became one of us, even enduring death on the cross for the redemption of humanity. The solidarity shown by Christ, the Son of God born of Mary, is the expression of God’s merciful omnipotence, which is made manifest in our life – above all when that life is frail, pain-filled, humbled, marginalized and suffering – and fills it with the power of hope that can sustain us and enable us to get up again.
This great wealth of humanity and faith must not be dissipated. Instead, it should inspire us to speak openly of our human weaknesses and to address the challenges of present-day healthcare and technology. On this World Day of the Sick, may we find new incentive to work for the growth of a culture of respect for life, health and the environment. May this Day also inspire renewed efforts to defend the integrity and dignity of persons, not least through a correct approach to bioethical issues, the protection of the vulnerable and the protection of the environment.
On this Twenty-fifth World Day of the Sick, I once more offer my prayerful support and encouragement to physicians, nurses, volunteers and all those consecrated men and women committed to serving the sick and those in need. I also embrace the ecclesial and civil institutions working to this end, and the families who take loving care of their sick. I pray that all may be ever joyous signs of the presence of God’s love and imitate the luminous testimony of so many friends of God, including Saint John of God and Saint Camillus de’ Lellis, the patrons of hospitals and healthcare workers, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, missionary of God’s love.
Dear brothers and sisters – the sick, healthcare workers and volunteers – I ask you to join me in praying to Mary. May her maternal intercession sustain and accompany our faith, and obtain for us from Christ her Son hope along our journey of healing and of health, a sense of fraternity and responsibility, a commitment to integral human development and the joy of feeling gratitude whenever God amazes us by his fidelity and his mercy.
Mary, our Mother,
in Christ you welcome each of us as a son or daughter.
Sustain the trusting expectation of our hearts,
succour us in our infirmities and sufferings,
and guide us to Christ, your Son and our brother.
Help us to entrust ourselves to the Father who accomplishes great things.
With the assurance of a constant remembrance in my prayers, I cordially impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing.
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