The Pope to the people of Palermo: “Following the example of Santa Rosalia, give a beautiful face to the city”

To dear Brother

Monsignor Corrado LOREFICE

Metropolitan Archbishop of Palermo

 

The happy anniversary of the IV Centenary of the discovery of the body of Saint Rosalia is a special occasion to spiritually unite with you dear sons and daughters of the Church of Palermo, which wishes to raise to the heavenly Father, source of all grace, praise for the gift of such sublime figure of a woman and an “apostle”, who did not hesitate to accept the trials of solitude for the love of her Lord. My deferential thoughts go to you, dear brother Corrado, to the civil and military authorities, just as I affectionately greet the priests, the men and women religious, the members of the many Confraternities, the lay movements, and all those who during this Jubilee Year have joined in prayer, learning from Saint Rosalia the passion for the poor and fidelity to the Good News.

“For love Domini mei”, is the reason that Saint Rosalia gives in surrendering her existence and abandoning the riches of the world. The life of the Christian, both in the times in which our hermit Virgin lived and in the present day, is constantly marked by the cross; Christians are those who always love, but often in circumstances where love is not understood or even rejected.

Even today it is a choice that goes against the grain, since those who follow Christ are called to make their own the logic of the Gospel which is hope, who decides in their heart to make room for love to give it to others, to sacrifice it in favor of their brother, to share it with those who have not experienced it due to the “plagues” that afflict humanity.

You faithful and devotees of “Santuzza”, as you filially address her, are the spiritual heirs who must translate her testimony of faith and charity towards others into an evangelical lifestyle. Like you, you give a beautiful face to your territory, rich in culture, history and profound faith, where great women and men have found the strength to expend themselves for the Gospel and social justice.

At the school of Santa Rosalia, renouncing what is superfluous, do not hesitate to offer yourselves generously to others. Have fortitude in facing the challenges that still hinder the rebirth of this city, whose path is burdened by many problems, some of which are very painful. Courageously look to Him who is Mercy, in whose eyes the sufferings of his people are not invisible since “even the hairs of your head are numbered” (Mt10.30); He knows our sorrows and is ready to pour the balm of consolation that heals and gives renewed impetus.

With Rosalia, woman of hope, I therefore urge you: Church of Palermo, stand up! Be a beacon of new hope, be a living community that, regenerated by the blood of the Martyrs, gives true and luminous testimony to Christ our Savior. People of God in this blessed strip of land, do not lose hope and do not give in to discouragement. Rediscover the joy of amazement in front of the caress of a Father who calls you to himself and leads you on the paths of life to savor the fruits of harmony and peace.

I hope that this Rosalian Jubilee Year, which is drawing to a close, has above all favored a spiritual flourishing included in the path started by your ecclesial community; therefore, I invite you to listen docilely to the Holy Spirit so that you can achieve a plentiful pastoral season, ready to spread the scent of welcome and mercy.

Deliver to your Patron Saint the desires and aspirations that you carry in her heart; ask her, woman of prayerful silence, to dispel fears and overcome the resignations that suffocate the roots of good, to be bold disciples of the Master and builders of hope.

With these sentiments, while I invoke the intercession of the male and female saints who crown the Sicilian Church, I entrust you to the protection of the Virgin Mary, and I willingly impart my Blessing, trusting in your prayer for me.

 

Fraternally,

Francis

 

Rome, from San Giovanni in Laterano, 29 June 2024

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles