Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lyon (Fides Service) - On Sunday 8 May the participants at the general annual assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, taking place in Lyon, made a pilgrimage to Ars, not far from Lyon, where Saint Jean Marie Vianney, known as the Cure d’Ars lived his saintly ministry. After visiting the home of the Saint, the national directors concelebrated Mass presided by Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars. The homily was given by Archbishop Henryk Hoser Secretary adjunct of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and President of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Archbishop Hoser recalled that the Cure d’Ars and Pauline Jaricot knew each other and met several times. At their last meeting St Jean Marie Vianney gave Pauline a cross, today on show in her house renovated and recently inaugurated in Lyon on 5 May. “They met, they understood one another and now they certainly share together the glory of heaven - the Archbishop said -. They have three things in common: sharing in the sufferings of Christ, the fecundity of their work, unceasing prayer. Pauline Jaricot suffered greatly and endlessly . Her spiritual and psychological torment, insuperable economic difficulties, her fragile health... did not prevent her from achieving her charismatic work. In the history of the Church overabundant fecundity is always guaranteed by prayer and union with the sufferings of Christ. Purely human intelligence, suitable methods and pastoral are secondary and can never replace what is essential in the life of the Saints, that is love which unites with Christ and makes one similar to Christ ”.
Lastly referring to the readings of the 7th Sunday of Easter Archbishop Hoser said: “When we leave this place we will be sent once again to the world. This world of today splendid and terrible, bright and dark, edifying and capable of corrupting, but nevertheless called to eternal happiness in God. Mission territories are at the heart of this search for happiness. God is coming, let us not be afraid, let us go to meet him”. (G.R.) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2005 - Righe 26; Parole 353)
