Pope to Rosminians: Holiness in
charity transforms Church and world
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| Pope Francis meeting members of the Rosminian general chapter, on October 1, 2018. (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis on October 1 received in the Vatican members of
the Rosminian congregation on the occasion of their General Chapter.
By Robin Gomes
Pope Francis on Monday received in the Vatican members of
the Institute of Charity (IC), known as the Rosminian Fathers and
Sisters, saying holiness and the exercise of virtues is the way of the true
reform of the Church.
The Rosminians, founded by Blessed Antonio Rosmini in
early 19th century, are holding their General Chapter until
October 23.
Holiness belongs to all, always
Pope Francis drew attention to the theme of their General
Chapter, “Be Perfect…Be Merciful”, and said that every Christian is
called to holiness and to travel along this path in charity together
with others. “Holiness and the exercise of virtues,” he said, “are
not reserved for a few, nor are they reserved for any particular moment of
existence.” They can be lived in daily fidelity to the Christian vocation
by all, he said, particularly by consecrated persons, in faithful adherence to
their religious profession.
Holiness, the Pope pointed out, is the way of true reform
of the Church, which, according to Rosmini transforms the world to
the extent that it reforms itself.
Charity above all else
The Holy Father noted that Blessed Rosmini had wanted to
call his religious family "Institute of Charity", precisely to
highlight the supremacy of the virtue of charity, which according to St. Paul
is "above all else".
Rosmini accompanied charity with the fruitfulness of interior
silence and the heroism of exterior silence, a path that
produces fruits of good and holiness. The Pope also underscored the importance
of maintaining the “holy indifference” of the Jesuits, without which, he
said, it is not possible to carry out authentic universal charity.
In their works of corporal, intellectual, spiritual and
pastoral charity, the Pope urged the Rosminians to be open to the Holy Spirit ,
saying He indicates where, when, and how to love. The Pope wished
that their work of education is not reduced to mere instruction, but to
intellectual charity.
Outstretched hands
Noting their presence in India, Tanzania, Kenya, the United
States and Europe, the Pope urged the Rosminians to be people with hands always
outstretched towards the suffering, to bring them the help of faith and
charity. The Holy Father particularly noted the presence of Rosminian Fathers
and Sisters in Venezuela who are close to the suffering people
in thier spiritual and material hardships.
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