This might be one of the most well-known Capuchin friars. Every Good Friday, he is in charge of preaching in St. Peter's Basilica.
Some say, “there is too much injustice, too much suffering in the world, to believe in God.” It's true, but let's think for a moment how much more absurd and hopeless the evil that surrounds us becomes without faith in a final triumph of truth and good.
Pope John Paul II appointed Raniero Cantalamessa Preacher of the Pontifical Household in 1980. Pope Benedict XVI renewed his appointment in 2005 and later Pope Francis retained him in his post as well. In 2020, he was made an honorary cardinal since he was already over the age of 80.
But the Cardinal's duties are not limited to Good Friday. He is also in charge of sermons for Lent and Advent at the Vatican. On one occasion, one of his reflections almost he coincided with the Pope's birthday.
Someone suggested to me that since tomorrow is the birthday of our beloved Holy Father, we should recite a Salve Regina for him together.
In addition to being a preacher, Cardinal Cantalamessa is a prolific spirituality writer. And he is known for maintaining a low profile despite the fact that he has held this position for the past four decades.
JRB
TR: KG
