The Francis effect on Salesians
Ever since Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped into the Vatican balcony and was presented "Urbi et Orbi" as Pope Francis, the spotlight has been focussed on the "servus servorum Dei". Like Jesus the "Verbum Caro factum est", the utterances of Pope Francis, literally exemplified in his personal life, have been making an impressive impact and not only within the Catholic Church. He is what he preaches and like the "voice in the desert" his message, couched in catchy phrases that alert the mind and touch the heart, communicates even with the secular world. We may call,it the "Francis effect".
But satan never sleeps, nor do the forces of evil.
The media reports on the recent Family Synod highlighted the discordant efforts of some, individuals, who attempt to malign the image and intent of Pope Francis. They have, in fact, failed to make a dent in the "Francis effect". The Pope's sincerity of purpose and transparent integrity shine forth even brighter against this background of controversial gossip.
Far from being a confused leader of a rudderless barque, Pope Francis distinctly stands out as an enlightened Prophet of and for our times.
Let's recall some of the Pope's prophetic words and gestures: the move from the aristocratic papal apartments to dwell as a commoner, "with the poor and for the poor"; his constant refrain urging his flock to move to the periphery of society and reach out to the poor; his brave and indefatigable witness to the compassion of Jesus for the sick, the oppressed, the persecuted and the ostracised sinners; and best of all, his deep Faith convictions about God and courageous consistency as a witness to Jesus Christ. Pope Francis, by word and example reveals the quality of true Gospel Leadership which guides the Catholic Church. Far from being today a "rudderless" barque, the Church inspired by his upfront tireless pastoral ministry is striving to be what Jesus wanted it to be: a community that is the Light of the world, the Salt of the earth and the Yeast that builds the Kingdom of God.
The beginnings of Pope Francis' pontificate echoed with jubilant admiration and abundant acclamhations of praise for his holy life, personal charm, pastoral teachings and edifying ministry.
Keeping the Pope on this pedestal of adulation is bound to make him a victim of jealous hearts and evil plans, as is already happening. It is important that Catholics, particularly Religious respond by stepping in line with the Pope through integrity of their own Gospel witness.
As for the "Francis effect" on our Salesian Society, may we say it has its roots in the "Don Bosco effect" on the young Salesian Pastpupil, as early as 1949! Without discounting in the least, the Jesuit links and leanings of Pope Francis, and his clear emulation of the 'Poverello of Assisi', doesn't his choice vocabulary and ministry focussed on the "periphery" to the "marginalised and poor," reflect Don Bosco's fundamental option and missionary concern for poor people? Values learnt in school, perhaps?
Addressing the members of the XXVII General Chapter Pope Francis said: " ... The Holy Spirit would assist the religious institute to understand the expectations and challenges of our time, especially those of the young whose formation is the basis of the congregation's main apostolate".
He also told us Salesians that evangelization of young people is closely connected with education . He encouraged us in our efforts to respond to the current educational crisis, and the exclusion many young people face, while always remembering the "Preventive System" of St. John Bosco which is based on kindness and friendship with the pupils.
The Bi-Centenary of the Birth of Don Bosco, in the first place, invites us to live more loyally our Founder's devotion to the Holy Father and the Church, in these very conflicting times. Our devotion to the Pope can best be expressed by our docile acceptance of the Magisterium and the lively imitation of Pope Francis' exemplary Christian values, which he convincingly preaches and faithfully practices: a Passionate love for Jesus, the Son of God; a Compassionate outreach towards the young, the weak and marginalised; and, a zealous Missionary enthusiasm for the coming of the Kingdom of Peace, Love and Justice among all Nations and Peoples.
May the "Francis effect" on us Salesians urge us to be "mystics, prophets and servants" in the service of the mission of Jesus Christ.
Ever since Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped into the Vatican balcony and was presented "Urbi et Orbi" as Pope Francis, the spotlight has been focussed on the "servus servorum Dei". Like Jesus the "Verbum Caro factum est", the utterances of Pope Francis, literally exemplified in his personal life, have been making an impressive impact and not only within the Catholic Church. He is what he preaches and like the "voice in the desert" his message, couched in catchy phrases that alert the mind and touch the heart, communicates even with the secular world. We may call,it the "Francis effect".
But satan never sleeps, nor do the forces of evil.
The media reports on the recent Family Synod highlighted the discordant efforts of some, individuals, who attempt to malign the image and intent of Pope Francis. They have, in fact, failed to make a dent in the "Francis effect". The Pope's sincerity of purpose and transparent integrity shine forth even brighter against this background of controversial gossip.
Far from being a confused leader of a rudderless barque, Pope Francis distinctly stands out as an enlightened Prophet of and for our times.
Let's recall some of the Pope's prophetic words and gestures: the move from the aristocratic papal apartments to dwell as a commoner, "with the poor and for the poor"; his constant refrain urging his flock to move to the periphery of society and reach out to the poor; his brave and indefatigable witness to the compassion of Jesus for the sick, the oppressed, the persecuted and the ostracised sinners; and best of all, his deep Faith convictions about God and courageous consistency as a witness to Jesus Christ. Pope Francis, by word and example reveals the quality of true Gospel Leadership which guides the Catholic Church. Far from being today a "rudderless" barque, the Church inspired by his upfront tireless pastoral ministry is striving to be what Jesus wanted it to be: a community that is the Light of the world, the Salt of the earth and the Yeast that builds the Kingdom of God.
The beginnings of Pope Francis' pontificate echoed with jubilant admiration and abundant acclamhations of praise for his holy life, personal charm, pastoral teachings and edifying ministry.
Keeping the Pope on this pedestal of adulation is bound to make him a victim of jealous hearts and evil plans, as is already happening. It is important that Catholics, particularly Religious respond by stepping in line with the Pope through integrity of their own Gospel witness.
As for the "Francis effect" on our Salesian Society, may we say it has its roots in the "Don Bosco effect" on the young Salesian Pastpupil, as early as 1949! Without discounting in the least, the Jesuit links and leanings of Pope Francis, and his clear emulation of the 'Poverello of Assisi', doesn't his choice vocabulary and ministry focussed on the "periphery" to the "marginalised and poor," reflect Don Bosco's fundamental option and missionary concern for poor people? Values learnt in school, perhaps?
Addressing the members of the XXVII General Chapter Pope Francis said: " ... The Holy Spirit would assist the religious institute to understand the expectations and challenges of our time, especially those of the young whose formation is the basis of the congregation's main apostolate".
He also told us Salesians that evangelization of young people is closely connected with education . He encouraged us in our efforts to respond to the current educational crisis, and the exclusion many young people face, while always remembering the "Preventive System" of St. John Bosco which is based on kindness and friendship with the pupils.
The Bi-Centenary of the Birth of Don Bosco, in the first place, invites us to live more loyally our Founder's devotion to the Holy Father and the Church, in these very conflicting times. Our devotion to the Pope can best be expressed by our docile acceptance of the Magisterium and the lively imitation of Pope Francis' exemplary Christian values, which he convincingly preaches and faithfully practices: a Passionate love for Jesus, the Son of God; a Compassionate outreach towards the young, the weak and marginalised; and, a zealous Missionary enthusiasm for the coming of the Kingdom of Peace, Love and Justice among all Nations and Peoples.
May the "Francis effect" on us Salesians urge us to be "mystics, prophets and servants" in the service of the mission of Jesus Christ.
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