Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle*
We publish the full homily delivered by Cardinal Tagle during the memorial Mass for Bishop Osório Afonso Citora, celebrated today in Rome, in the Chapel of the Three Wise Men at the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide.
Rome (Fides News Agency) - We thank the Lord who has gathered us as a family in this Eucharistic celebration, the memorial of Saint Barnabas the Apostle. I am sure he will not feel offended if on his liturgical memorial, our community remembers its beloved brother, friend, and collaborator Monsignor Osorio Afonso Citora, Consolata missionary, who for many years has considered the Dicastery his home, his family, his mission, until his death. I believe that Saint Barnabas will be honored by the life and blood of Mons. Osorio.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas, also called Joseph, was one of the members of the first Christian community in Jerusalem. He sold his belongings and presented the proceeds to the Apostles for distribution to the poor. After Saul’s conversion, Barnabas introduced him to the Apostles in Jerusalem. He looked for Saul and brought him to Antioch, where the mission to the Gentiles flourished and from where the Holy Spirit set both of them apart for missionary journeys. They would take separate ways due to a disagreement but they did not destroy each other. By their separation, the Gospel reached many more people. I remember that in 2017 the superior general of the consolata missionaries at that time, Fr. Camerlengo, invited me to their general chapter to give reflections on the missionary friendshipand collaboration between Paul and Barnabas. Now we encounter Barnabas again.
Doesn't Barnabas remind us of Osorio? Or Osorio of Barnabas? Osorio left his family and homeland as a Consolata missionary, ready to go where the Spirit sent him. When I called him to my office one day in October 2023, he thought I needed a report on the jurisdictions he was following. He came and talked (a lot). It was difficult to stop him. When he finally paused to breathe, I took advantage of the moment. I broke to him the news that Pope Francis intended toname him auxiliary Bishop of Maputo. Then there was silence, a blank stare, and an outburst oftears and sobs. He asked for time to pray and reflect. The following day, he humbly said “Yes.” Then he asked me to be the main consecrator at his episcopal ordination. As an official, the dicastery has been his companion in mission. Now as a bishop, he wanted the Dicastery to send him off. Like Barnabas, Osorio looked for collaborators and friends in mission, his Paul, Mark, Timothy and so on. For Osorio, mission is not just work but friendship with the Lord that forges friendship with fellow missionaries. Friendship is part of missionary journeys. Remember how Osorio’s friendship and warmth nurtured your mission in the Dicastery.
Finally In the Gospel, Jesus gives a surprising description of mission: Freely you have received, freely give. Yes there are specific tasks expected of the apostles: proclaiming the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, casting out demons. But underlying these tasks is the gift of God’s kingdom, of the Gospel, of the Lord’s calling, offriendship with the Lord, of Jesus’ trust and of a share in his mission. The mission is giving freely to others the gift that we have received freely from Jesus. We must rely on Jesus’ gift, not on silver, money, tunics, sandals and staff. The mission is not about proving one’s capacity and surpassing the achievements of others. We treasure the gift of faith by sharing it as a gift.
We have been witnesses to the excitement and joy that Osorio experienced whenever he shared the Word of God. He did not get tired of offering Bible study sessions, recollections and retreats. The gift he has received freely, he freely gave. That is why his violent death leaves all of us perplexed and wounded. How could a man like him, generous in sharing a smile, the Word of God, and the Kingdom of justice, meet such a tragic end? We do not know yet, and may not know. But we hold on steadfastly with faith and hope to the words of Jesus in the Gospel: “As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.” Dear Osorio, you will not be deprived of peace. Jesus’ gift of peace will return to you. Be at peace.
I would like to conclude by quoting the words I addressed to Bishop Osorio in the homily I delivered on the occasion of his episcopal consecration in January 2024.
“Bishop Osorio, you chose a beautiful episcopal motto taken from Psalm 119: Lucerna pedibusmeis, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. It expresses your faith, your prayer,your desire and your pastoral program. You said,”I want the Word of God to be the lamp to mysteps but also those of the brothers and sisters whom the Lord has entrusted to me and my pastoral care.”
Break the word of God for them as their food and nourishment. And when demons tempt you with false lamps, cling to God who speaks to you through Jesus in the Holy Spirit. With God’s word as your lamp and light, you will serve the Church faithfully. Learn from Mary, the Consolata, who listened to God’s word and acted on it as a humble servant of the Lord.”
Rest in peace.
(Fides News Agency, 11/6/2026)
*Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches)
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