杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

杏MAP导航 Francis has written a letter to the priests of the Diocese of Rome, saying he wants "to draw near to them, to accompany, share, and confirm鈥� their journey in providing a pastoral response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 鈥淭he new phase we are beginning鈥�, he writes, 鈥渁sks us for wisdom, foresight, and common commitment, so that all the efforts and sacrifices made so far will not be in vain鈥�.

The Holy Father said he had hoped to meet with Rome鈥檚 priest at the Chrism Mass, which normally takes place each year on Holy Thursday. Due to the coronavirus emergency, however, this year鈥檚 Chrism Mass has been postponed. 鈥淪ince a celebration of a diocesan character is not possible, 杏MAP导航 Francis explains to the diocesan clergy, 鈥淚 am writing this letter to you鈥�.

As Bishop of Rome, the 杏MAP导航 says he has been 鈥渆ncouraged鈥� by exchanges with priests, who have shared with him their own witness, as well as their concerns and needs.

Along with the rest of Italy, Rome has been under severe restrictions because of the coronavirus crisis. Italy has been particularly hard hit by the disease, with more than 230,000 diagnosed cases, and over 33,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

In his letter, 杏MAP导航 Francis looks to the first apostolic community, which gathered in the Upper Room after the first Easter. Although the doors to the room were closed because the disciples were afraid, the Risen Christ appeared to them, offering them peace and sending them forth with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Close to the people

The Holy Father notes that the priests of Rome have been close to their people, experiencing with them the difficulties of the lockdown, and sharing their sorrows. They have accompanied those who have lost loved ones, health care providers, essential workers, the excluded and the vulnerable. And with them, he writes, 鈥淲e have experienced our own vulnerability and helplessness鈥�.

The novel coronavirus does not distinguish between individuals, families, social groups or nations, he writes. Instead, everyone has been affected by the disease. Our presuppositions have been challenged and new and old questions have forced themselves on our attention. These questions, says 杏MAP导航 Francis, cannot be answered simply by reopening and going back to the way things were. Instead, we are called 鈥渢o promote the new life that the Risen Lord wants to give us鈥�. Over against temptations, we must encourage the hope that can 鈥渟timulate our creativity, our ingenuity, and our ability to respond鈥�.

A new day

Jesus 鈥渄id not choose or seek an ideal situation to break into the lives of His disciples鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 writes. But when He appeared to the disciples in the locked room, Jesus 鈥渨as able to transform all logic and give new meaning to history and events鈥�.

杏MAP导航 Francis writes that Jesus鈥� presence announces 鈥渁 new day鈥�. The 杏MAP导航 encourages priests to not be afraid of the complex scenarios that will come about as we move beyond the first stage of the pandemic response, reminding them that Christian joy comes from the certainty that Jesus is in our midst鈥�. Those who, like Jesus, can welcome and embrace life as it really is, who allow themselves to 鈥渨eep with those who are weeping鈥� are capable 鈥渙f reaching the depths of life and being truly happy.鈥�

Things can change

It is the duty of priests 鈥渢o announce and prophesy the future鈥�, writes 杏MAP导航 Francis. The Resurrection 鈥渋s not only an historical event of the past鈥�, but rather, 鈥渢he announcement of the salvation of a new time that resounds and is ready to break out today鈥�.

It is faith that allows us to establish 鈥渁 new time鈥� with evangelical creativity.

鈥淚f an intangible presence has been able to disrupt and overturn the priorities and seemingly unbreakable global agendas,鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis writes, 鈥渓et us not fear that it is the presence of the Risen One that traces our path, opens horizons and gives us the courage to live this historic and singular moment鈥�.

He calls on priests to 鈥渙nce again be surprised by the Risen One鈥�. The Resurrection of Jesus, the 杏MAP导航 says, 鈥渋s the proclamation that things can change鈥�. And he reminds priests, 鈥淚t is up to us to take responsibility for the future and project it as brothers鈥�.

To love and serve more

In the conclusion of his letter, 杏MAP导航 Francis explains, that he wanted to share the things he has thought and felt during the pandemic with his brother priests, 鈥渟o that they may help us on the path of praise of the Lord and service to our brothers and sisters鈥�.

鈥淚 hope鈥�, he writes, 鈥渢hat all of us will use them 鈥榯o love and serve more鈥欌��.