By Most Rev. Dr. A. Stephen, Bishop of Tuticorin –
Dear Fathers, on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the death of the Holy Priest, Curé d’Ars, Patron Saint of the Parish Priests, Pope Francis wrote an excellent letter to all the priests in the world. I would like to share with you some of the inspiring and salient ideas which surge forth from his heart. This letter is seen as a letter of gratitude, encouragement and support to the priests.
Holy Father knows well that there are priests who are looked upon with contempt, suspicion, through no fault of their own, but remain as bleeding wounds for the entire ecclesial body. He also knows that the scandal of abuse, the dismayed cry of victims, the mishandling and misappropriation of funds and the abuse of power have caused almost irremediable loss of respect for the Church.
Yet he likens you to the Curé d’Ars, who served in the trenches bearing the burden of the day and the heat (Mt. 20, 12). The Pope discovers in you, despite the harm caused by some of the brother priests, a „silent army of priests‟ who have betrayed neither faith nor trust. You are writing the finest pages of the priestly life by your selfless service. Don’t forget, Jesus calls you as his friends (John 15,15).
According to him, priests embody a Spiritual Fatherhood capable of weeping with those who weep. Countless priests in their lives do a work of mercy in areas and situations most hostile, isolated or ignored even at the risk of their lives.
You have joyfully put your service on the line for the sake of the Gospel in times of turbulence, shame and pain.
In times of trial, the Pope invites you to return to those luminous moments when you experienced the Lord’s call to devote your lives to His service.
This service ignites a humble joy, a joy which sorrow and distress cannot dismay, a good and gentle joy. You are anointed to anoint others and God’s anointing never disappoints.
“You are invited to cherish the memory of Lord’s presence in your lives and his merciful gaze which inspires you to put your lives on the line for him and for his people”.
The priests celebrate the fidelity of God. He continues to trust you, to believe in you to count on you. He invites you, despite your failings, to be faithful to Him in return. The Lord has never broken his covenant even though we breach it often.
The Holy Father thanks you for the joy with which you have offered your lives revealing a heart that over the years refused to become closed and bitter, but has grown daily in the love for God and for his people.
In his inimitable way the Pope says: thank you for the joy with which you have offered in your lives. Thank you for all the time you welcomed those who have fallen, caring for the wounds and showing tenderness and compassion.
May these words encourage all of us in our priestly lives and service.