Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The announcement of his election to the See of Peter, “was a prelude and prophecy of the experience of fatherhood, that God was to abundantly bestow through the words, gestures, and ecclesial service of the ‘Papa Buono.’ The grace of God was preparing a period of commitment and promise for the Church and for society, and it found in the docility to the Holy Spirit which marked the entire life of John XXIII a fertile soil in which to sow harmony, hope, unity and peace, for the good of all humanity.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the faithful gathered in the Vatican Basilica on the afternoon of October 28, at the end of the Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, on the 50th anniversary of he election to the pontifical throne of Blessed John XXIII.
“"Pope John identified faith in Christ and membership of the Church, Mother and Teacher, as a guarantee of fruitful Christian witness in the world. And thus, amid the sharp contrasts of his time, the Pope remained a man and pastor of peace, who opened unexpected horizons of fraternity among Christians and of dialogue with everyone. Greeting the pilgrims from the Diocese of Bergamo, the Holy Father told them to “follow the example and teachings of the Pope,” who was from their same land. He also recalled that one of the special gifts from John XXIII to the Church was the Second Vatican Council, which was called, prepared and begun by him.” Quoting once more what Pope John said in the Encyclical “Pacem in terris,” that the believer “must be a glowing point of light in the world, a nucleus of love, a leaven of the whole mass” and that “he will be so in proportion to his degree of spiritual union with God,” Benedict XVI pointed out that “this was the program of life for this great Pontiff and it can become the ideal of every believer, and every Christian community.”
The last two points of his message, the Pope dedicated to the family and the parish, two subjects greatly loved by Blessed John XXIII. The family is the “central subject of the Church’s life, the heart of education in the faith and the indispensable cell of society.” The future Pope John wrote in a letter to his family members: “The education that leaves the biggest impression is always that received in the home. I have forgotten much of what I have read in books, however I maintain a vivid memory of all I learned from my parents and my elders” (20 December 1932). John XXIII also showed a great appreciation for the parish, “a most important organism within ecclesial life. With great hope, The late Pope trustingly gave the parish - a family of families - the task of nourishing the sentiments of communion and fraternity among the faithful. Molded by the Eucharist, the parish will become a beneficial ferment amidst the widespread consumerism and individualism of our time, reawakening solidarity and opening, in faith, the eye of the heart to recognize the Father, Who is gratuitous love and Who wishes to share his own joy with His children.”
The Holy Father entrusted all families and parishes to the Mother of God, placing the Holy Family of Nazareth as their example, to become “the first ‘seminary’ and foster the growth of vocations to the priesthood, to the missions, to consecrated life, and to family life, according to the Heart of Christ.” He concluded his address in this manner: “I ask that Pope John XXIII grant us the grace of experiencing the closeness of his gaze, that we may truly be a family of God.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2008)
