Pope message to Cardinals-elect – popenews

Pope Invited Catholics to join Synod Members on Synodality in Prayer

Pope message to Cardinals-elect

Ahead of a special consistory Pope Francis has called for December 8 to formally elevate 21 bishops and priests from around the globe as Cardinal, he penned them an emotional letter. This is the date of the Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception Of Mary, Mother Of God. In the letter, which is in effect an exhortation explaining the spiritual and communal implications of becoming a cardinal emeritus, Francis encourages them to accept their new assignments with humility and dedication.

Association with the Roman Clergy and Church Unity -Pope message to Cardinals

In a message on the occasion, Pope Francis said that being made Cardinal bonds these men to the Clergy of Rome. The Pope pointed out Cardinal membership as a symbol of the unity of Church, which is 1 inseparable bond between all Churches along with Rome. This identity is not merely a status, but a condition of being the unity in Christ.

Pope message to Cardinals Three Positions—Eyes Up, Hands Raised, Feet Bare

Recalling the Argentine poet Francisco Luis Bernárdez, Pope Francis offered a poetic meditation on Saint John of the Cross: “Three ways to accompany him always; in his own words — with eyes raised and hands clasped together barefoot.” The Pope calls on the newly created Cardinals to take their cue from these attitudes in service;

Raised Eyes: They must learn to “shift their gaze and broaden their heart,” as new Cardinals are asked to train themselves in looking further, loving more deeply & keeping watch over the needs of the world.

Hands Together: Keeping their hands joined in prayer calls down the necessary grace and light of Christ for them to shepherd His flock. Pope on Nov. 27 urged people to pray so they can discern when God is asking them a question or telling them: this does not please me!

Feet Bare: The Pope further reminded them then they are to leave their feet bare, signifying the real-world experience of this suffering worldwide. That humility and caring are exactly what they will need in their job.

—Love, Mercy & humility in ministry.

Pope Francis: their service will require compassion and mercy that is powerful enough to look upon the misery of man. He pleaded with them to remain humble and serve.

A Call to Servanthood

At the conclusion of his remarks Pope Francis thanked Cardinal-designate Claudio Hummes, O.F.M., Brazil and assured them each that he would be praying for them. He told them they should be “servant first, and only secondarily cardinal,” insisting that their position must primarily be one of service.

Pope message to Cardinals-elect - popenews
Pope message to Cardinals-elect – popenews

Why is the consistory on December 8 important?

The December 8 consistory is special because it will fall on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Francis will create 21 new Cardinals during the event.

What do the three attitudes that Pope Francis noted symbolize?

The three attitudes–upturned eyes, clasped hands and bared feet–stand as symbols of what it takes to serve effectively in the Church. They;e of vision, prayer and humble.

How does Pope Francis describe the importance of prayer in his letter?

Prayer so that they may discern always—all of us in the Church–do thou, O Pope Francis stress—where is and what is God asking from you today.

What does being a Cardinal have to do with the Roman Clergy?

It makes the person a member of Roman Clergy, indicative as he have concord with Church of Rome and to Christendom universally.

But when Pope Francis tells the Cardinals to “concentrate on being servants,” what does he mean?

The Pope advised the Cardinals-elect to keep in mind their role was not one of prominence and that with great titles comes greater responsibility for humility, sacrifice & service towards Church and laity as steer shepherds.

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