Vatican City, Jun 23, 2017 / 13:42 pm
Pope Francis offered encouragement Friday to members of Serra International, which promotes religious vocations, urging them to persevere in their "beautiful vocation of being laity who are friends to priests" and to "(k)eep moving forward!"
Pope Francis said June 23 that friendship "is central to the experience of faith."
Serra International is a lay apostolate dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and does this by both prayer and assistance to discerners.
Serra's conference is taking place from June 22-25 in Rome under the theme Siempre Adelante, "keep moving forward." Friday's papal audience was open to all attendees after a Mass in St. Peter's.
Reflecting on friendship, Francis said that "the word 'friend' has become a bit overused."
"But, when Jesus speaks of 'friends,' he points to a hard truth: true friendship involves an encounter that draws me so near to the other person that I give something of my very self. Jesus says to his disciples: 'No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you'. He thus establishes a new relationship between man and God, one that transcends the law and is grounded in trust and love."
Friends accompany us, he said. "They stand at our side, gently and tenderly, along our journey; they listen to us closely, and can see beyond mere words."
He linked this Christian idea of friendship to Serra's work in promoting vocations and helping priests. They are "(f)riends who share the wonder of a vocation, the courage of a definitive decision, the joy and fatigue of ministry. Friends who can offer priests support and regard their generous efforts and human failings with understanding and tender love."
He compared their work to the home of Mary and Martha in the gospel, which Christ frequently visited and where he "was able to find rest and refreshment."
He then offered his reflections for the convention's theme of Siempre Adelante.
"Like you, I believe that this is a synonym for the Christian vocation," he said. He compared the phrase to Christ's call to his disciples to go forward in their ministerial journey, and he cautioned against giving into fear on this journey.
"Of course, we cannot make progress unless we take a risk," he said. "We do not advance toward the goal if, as the Gospel says, we are afraid to lose our lives. No ship would ever set out into the deep if it feared leaving the safety of the harbour."
"On the other hand," he said," when Christians go about their daily lives without fear, they can discover God's surprises."
He referenced the example of St. Junipero Serra, whom he canonized in Washington, D.C. in 2015, who, despite a limp, proceeded on his pilgrimage. He also warned against "museum Christians" who fear change.
"It is better to go forward limping, and even at times to fall, while always trusting in the mercy of God," he said.
He concluded his speech by instructing them to not be afraid of changing the structures of their organization, humbly renouncing old roles and practices in favor of living their vocation.
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"So you too, siempre Adelante! With courage, creativity, and boldness," he said.
"The Church and priestly vocations need you. May Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church and Mother of priests, be with you every step of the way And I ask you, please, pray for me!"