At his General Audience, Pope Francis remembered the life of the 36-year-old priest Richard Masivi. He was from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was killed on February 2 after celebrating Mass on the Church's Day of Consecrated Life. He belonged to the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor.
POPE FRANCIS
'May the death of Father Richard, a victim of unjustifiable and despicable violence, not discourage his relatives, his religious family and the entire Christian community of that nation, to announce and witness goodness and fraternity despite the difficulties.'
Pope Francis' remarks came during his last catechesis on St. Joseph, in which he reflected on the Saint as the patron and protector of the entire Church.
A Church, the Pope stressed, which is made up of sinners.
POPE FRANCIS
'We live in a time in which it is normal to criticize the Church, to highlight the inconsistencies, the sins, which in reality are our inconsistencies, our sins, because the Church has always been a people of sinners who encounter the mercy of God. Let us ask ourselves if, in the depths of our hearts, we love the Church.'
Pope Francis recommended turning to St. Joseph when confronted with life's challenges, before persecution that prohibits evangelization, or when faced with a lack of material resources. He also advised looking to St. Joseph for one complicated task in particular, coming to terms with personal mistakes.
POPE FRANCIS
'Let us turn to the intercession of St. Joseph in the difficult moments of life, especially when our mistakes create scandal, so that we may have the courage to face the truth, to ask for forgiveness and to start anew.'
The Pope then explained that St. Joseph was designated Patron of the universal Church because of the care he took of Mary and Jesus.
A resume piece that is hardly within reach for just anyone.
JRB
TR: JM
