Pope urges hairdressers to
contribute to common good in “Christian style”
Pope Francis meeting hairdressers and beauticians of St.Martin de Porres Committee of Italy (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis on April 29 met representatives of the
association of hairdressers, hairstylists and beauticians of Italy, on the
feast day of their patron, St. Martin de Porres.
By Robin Gomes
Pope Francis on Monday met representatives of the
association of hairdressers, hairstylists and beauticians of Italy, encouraging
them in their profession in a “Christian style” and help contribute to the
common good of society.
Some 230 members of Saint Martin de Porres Committee, that
is present in many regions of Italy, met the Pope in the Vatican on their
weekly day of rest on Monday, which this week coincided with the feast of their
patron.
The Pope noted that their pilgrimage to the tombs of the
Apostles in Rome and their meeting with the Successor of Peter are a sign of
the importance they attach to the Christian faith, as well to the religious
dimension that characterizes their association. This, he said, is because
of St. Martin, their patron.
The Peruvian saint of mixed race, the Pope explained, was
accepted into the Order of the Dominican Fathers only as a tertiary and then as
a brother and co-worker. He accepted this condition, living a life of
utmost humility, radiated by love. With self-sacrifice, he devoted himself to
the poor and the sick, providing them with health care, thanks to the concepts
he learned first in a pharmacy and then as a pupil of a barber-surgeon, according
to the custom of the time.
Born in Lima, on December 9, 1579, St. Martin died there on
November 3, 1639. He was declared a saint by St. Pope John XXIII in
1962.
Pope Francis said that the “humble and great figure of Saint
Martin de Porres”, whom Pope Paul VI proclaimed patron of their category in
1966, helps them to “bear constant witness to Christian values.” “He
encourages you, above all,” he said, “to practice your profession in a
Christian style, treating customers with kindness and courtesy, and always
offering them a good word and encouragement, avoiding giving in to the
temptation of gossip that easily creeps into your work environment, that we all
know about.”
In conclusion, the Holy Father pointed out that each one of
them, in their “typical professional work, can always act with righteousness,
thus making a positive contribution to the common good of society.”
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