Fr. Alessio : “Forward, with Francis’ dream”
A Church on the move, a pilgrim of hope, that listens, discerns – and responds – to challenges.
‘With deep sadness and sincere gratitude, today we come together in remembrance and prayer for Pope Francis, who has returned to the House of the Father. His death marks the end of an era for the Church, but as the Pope taught us, we continue to nourish hope also by cherishing all that his pontificate has given to the universal Church.
Pope Francis has marked the history of the Church with an example of life that has combined steadfastness in faith with an incessant search for authentic dialogue with the world, constantly embodying the call to be both ‘rooted and pilgrim’. His inclusive vision and his call to mercy and joy have permeated every corner of our daily lives.
A method
However, what really defined his pontificate was the method he chose to guide the Church: a method that placed listening and discernment in the centre of our search for God’s will. This approach found its most concrete expression in the Synod on Synodality. Synodality implies a vocational and missionary consciousness that leads to new dynamics in ecclesial relations, participation and discernment, which in turn call for a greater commitment to formation.
Together listening to the Spirit
Pope Francis has been a shepherd capable of listening to every voice and favouring a common journey, witnessing to a Church that cannot be self-referential or undisturbed, but always ready to set out with humility. He invited us to walk together, reflect together and discern God’s will together, leaving us a legacy that concerns each of us as Church. It is a co-responsibility in building a future that is firm in Christian values, but inclusive in its service, especially to those who are too often ignored by our societies.
With young people
“Pope Francis has met young people many times. He has spoken to them in a direct language, encouraging them to be protagonists in Church and society, not afraid to dream big. He invited them to discernment, solidarity and a concrete commitment to justice and peace” emphasises Fr Andrea Picciau, vocation promoter of the EUM Province and contact person for the Magis network of all the work with young people. He invited us not only to serve them, but to adopt their perspective and accompany them, to walk alongside them, and so foresee the future. Following his example and his confidence in the power of the Gospel to transform the new generations, we renew our commitment to our educational and pastoral mission, so that young people can be protagonists of a future of hope”.
The way to God
“With the pontificate of Pope Francis,” reflects Fr. Paolo Monaco, director of the Ignatian Centre for Spirituality, “personal accompaniment, spiritual discernment of inner motions, spiritual conversation, spiritual discernment in common, – elements of the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola- have entered into the Magisterium and the life of the Church. In the heart and life of Pope Francis, a Jesuit, we
contemplated in action the Light that St Ignatius experienced at the Cardoner. Through Pope Francis, God comes close to every man and every woman, so that we can find our way to Him”.
Care for creation
“Concerning ecology and social justice, Pope Francis’ teaching was above all oriented towards giving us tools to understand how we can come out of the current climate, social and geopolitical crisis together,” stresses Fr Mauro Bossi SJ, Provincial delegate for reflection on integral ecology. “He often referred to a multilateral dialogue, the need for the inclusion of peoples in decision-making processes, and the greater responsibility of industrialised countries to respond to climate challenges”.
With the excluded
“To remain with someone who has faltered along the way” (EG 46). Pope Francis has reminded us of this in his pontificate,’ highlights Fr Camillo Ripamonti SJ, President of Centro Astalli. “Meeting and listening to those who have been excluded, to those who live on the existential peripheries, restores dignity: looking into their eyes, touching their wounds. Refugees, towards whom Pope Francis has always had great attention, are that ‘flesh of Christ’ whose welcome ushers hope for a future of peace”.
“In this time of sorrow,” the Provincial concludes, “we remember Pope Francis with gratitude, committing ourselves to carrying forward his dream: a Church on the move, a pilgrim of hope, which, rooted in the love of Christ, continues to listen, discern and respond to the challenges of our time.
May his testimony of faith, humility and love for the poor continue to guide and inspire us in every step we take”.
