Pope reflects on priestly renewal
May 17, 2016
Pope Francis opened the meeting of the Italian Episcopal Conference on May 16 and reflected on the renewal of the priesthood.
“I do not wish to offer you a systematic reflection on the figure of the priest: let us rather try to turn the perspective on its head, and make ready to listen,” the Pope said. “Let us approach – almost in tiptoe – one of the many parish priests who spend themselves in our communities, let us let his visage pass before the eyes of our heart, and let us ask with simplicity: what gives life its flavor? For whom and for what does he do such dedicated service? What is the ultimate reason for his self-giving?”
Reflecting on these questions, the Pope stressed the importance of the fire of the love of the Lord, service to the people of God, and generous self-giving for the sake of the Kingdom.
The Pope also recommended that clerics should be careful in their handling of material goods, avoiding the tendency to accumulate wealth. The Church, he said, should "maintain inly what may be needed for the experience of faith and charity of God's people."
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Further information:
- Opening of the General Assembly of Italian Bishops 2016.05.16 (YouTube Vatican)
- Discorso introduttivo del Santo Padre all’apertura dei lavori della 69ma Assemblea Generale della Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (C.E.I.) (Holy See Press Office)
- Pope Francis opens CEI General Assembly (Vatican Radio)
- Church shd only keep what faith needs (ANSA)
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