Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Viterbo (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, September 6, the Holy Father Benedict XVI traveled in helicopter from the Pontifical Villa in Castel Gandolfo to make a pastoral visit to Viterbo and Bagnoregio. In Viterbo, after blessing the new bronze doors of the Cathedral, Benedict XVI was welcomed by the Mayor and Bishop on the “Balcony of the Popes.” Later, after a brief visit to the “Conclave Hall” of the Palace, he traveled to the esplanade of Valle Faul, where he presided a Mass (see Fides 31/7/2009).
“In this context, which recalls centuries of civil and religious history, your whole diocesan community is gathered, at least in spirit, with the Successor of Peter to be confirmed by him in fidelity to Christ and his Gospel,” the Pope said in his homily, right before his greeting of the various diocesan communities, and civil and military authorities.
“Every liturgical assembly is the space of the presence of God. Gathered together for the Holy Eucharist, the disciples of the Lord proclaim that he is risen, that he is alive and the giver of life, and they bear witness that his presence is grace, is a task, is joy,” the Pope said. Commenting on the Sunday's readings, the Pope mentioned the Prophet Isaiah (35:4-7). who encouraged “those whose hearts are frightened,” because when the Lord is present, the eyes of the blind are reopened, ears of the deaf hear, the lame 'leap' like a stag. Everything is reborn and everything revives because wholesome waters spring up in the desert.” The Pope explained that the desert, in symbolic language, “can evoke the dramatic events, difficult situations and solitude that often mark life; the most profound desert is the human heart, when it loses the ability to hear, to speak, to communicate with God and with others. One then becomes blind because he is incapable of seeing reality; he closes his ears to not hear the cry of those who implore his help; his heart is hardened in indifference and selfishness.”
This passage is linked to that of the St. Mark's Gospel (7:31-37), in which Jesus heals the deaf mute. “We can see in this 'sign' Jesus' ardent desire to conquer in man the solitude and incommunicability created by egotism, to give a face to a 'new humanity,' a humanity that listens and a humanity of the word, of dialogue, of communication, of communion with God. A 'good' humanity, as all of God's creation is good; a humanity without discrimination, without exclusions -- as the Apostle James admonishes in his Letter (2:1-5) -- so that the world truly be a 'place of genuine brotherhood' for all, in the opening of the common Father who created us and made us his sons and daughters.”
The Pope then recalled the importance of education in the faith, “as search, as Christian initiation, as life in Christ,” which involves the parish, families, groups, and schools - from the primary schools to the University of Tuscia. Among the “models that are always relevant, authentic pioneers in education in the faith from which to draw inspiration,” Pope Benedict named St. Rose Venerini, “a true forerunner of girls' schools in Italy,” and St. Lucia Filippini, who founded the worthy "Maestre Pie." The Pope commented that “one could still happily draw from these spiritual sources to confront, with lucidity and coherence, the current inescapable and pressing 'educational emergency,' a great challenge for every Christian community and for society as a whole.”
Benedict XVI then mentioned the testimony of faith, which is shown in the charitable service of the Church: “her initiatives, her works are signs of faith in and love of God, who is Love...This is where voluntary service flourishes and must always increase, whether at the personal level or the organized level. In charity this voluntary service has its propulsive and educative organism.” The Holy Father then mentioned the young St. Rose, co-patroness of the diocese, whose feast is celebrated during this time, is a radiant example of faith and generosity toward the poor;” Saint Giacinta Marescotti, who “promoted Eucharistic adoration in the city and gave life to institutions and initiatives to benefit prisoners and the marginalized;” the Capuchin St. Crispin, “who continues to inspire worthy aid groups.” The diocese's many houses of consecrated life and cloistered monasteries that “show us that prayer is the first form of charity.” The Pope mentioned the example of Blessed Gabriella Sagheddu, a Trappist nun: “in the monastery of Vitorchiano, where she is entombed, spiritual ecumenism continues to be proposed, nourished by the incessant prayer, strongly solicited by the Second Vatican Council,” and the Viterban Blessed Domenico Bàrberi, the Passionist priest who, in 1845, welcomed John Henry Newman -- who later became a cardinal -- into the Catholic Church.
The third pastoral point the Pope addressed was attention to the signs of God. In fact, “God continues to reveal his plan to us through 'events and words.' Listening to his word and discerning his signs must be the work of every Christian community.” The Pope recalled that the sign of the living God should be, first of all, the priest, “whom Christ has chosen entirely for himself,” as well as “every consecrated person and all the baptized.” Benedict XVI then exhorted the faithful, youth and families alike, to not be afraid “to live and bear witness to the faith in the various spheres of society, in the multiple situations of human existence!” He then recalled the young Mario Fani of Viterbo, of the “Saint Rose Circle,” who helped start Catholic Action in Italy. “The seasons succeed each other, social contexts change, but the vocation of Christians to live the Gospel in solidarity with the human family does not change or go out of fashion with the passing of time. This is social commitment, this is the service proper to political action, this is integral human development.”
The Pope concluded with an exhortation: “When the heart is frightened in the desert of life, do not be afraid, give yourselves to Christ, the firstborn of the new humanity...Our common Mother is Mary, whom you venerate with the title of 'Madonna della Quercia' (Our Lady of the Oak).” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2009)
