EUROPE/SPAIN - "Let us put aside the fear and false modesty which many times paralyse us, let us put aside commodities which often make us act against our conscience, let us take a step forward like Francis of Xavier”: says Archbishop of Pamplona at first ‘Javierada’ for the 5th centenary of the birth of St Francis Xavier

Tuesday, 7 March 2006

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Pamplona (Fides Service) - Over 10,000 people braved icy temperatures last Sunday 5 March to make the first of the traditional 'Javierada' pilgrimages in the framework of celebrations for the 5th centenary of the birth of St Francis Xavier of which the culminating event was Mass in the square in front of Javier Castle presided by Archbishop Fernando Sebastian of Pamplona. In view of the 'Javierada' , a relic of the Saint usually kept in the Gesu Church in Rome arrived at Javier Castle where it will be exposed for the devotion of the faithful until 20 April.
In his homily the Archbishop Pamplona recalled the figure of St Francis Xavier, patron of Spain’s Navarra region and universal patron of missionary activity. He said he was an “admirable Christian who dedicated his life to spreading the faith in the world. For us today, as yesterday for that young man filled with ideas - the Archbishop said - Jesus is the supreme Truth of our life, the revelation of God’s love, the Way of true humanity and true progress, the discovery of Truth in the world, guided by the sovereignty and love of God”.
Aware that “in society today many have no regard for faith or religion”, the Archbishop said “Christians cannot let themselves be dominated by the fashions of this world, anti-Christian secularism and selfish wellbeing”. Only by living like St Francis Xavier “Christians will be able to build a Church which is young and missionary, to build a new society where love in the foundation of stable marriages and families, where children are born and are taught the name of God. A society where all may live in peace without attacks or threats, without illusory policies which strive to build a free and happy society on the fringes of God’s law ”.
He appealed to those present: "Let us put aside the fear and false modesty which many times paralyse us, let us put aside commodities which often make us act against our conscience, let us take a step forward like Francis of Xavier”.
The main event in celebrations to mark the 5th centenary of the birth of Saint Francis Xavier will be a solemn concelebration of Mass in Javier on April 7. Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Cardinal Antonio M ª Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid, his special envoy for the occasion, expressing his closeness with the people of Navarra in the great commemoration. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2006 - righe 29, parole 399)