H.H. Pope Tawadros II met this evening, (Tuesday), with the priests of the Diocese of Milan and their wives, at the Monastery of Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite in Milan. This was in the presence of their bishop, His Grace Bishop Antonio, His Grace Bishop Louka (Bishop of the French sector of Switzerland and southern France), and the delegation accompanying His Holiness.
This comes within the framework of the Pope’s pastoral visit to Milan and Venice, Italy, which began today.
His Holiness welcomed the attendees, expressing his happiness at meeting them and praising the one-family spirit that characterizes the Diocese of Milan.
His Holiness spoke about “longing for God” through the first part of the Prayer of the Ninth Hour:
1) “Sanctify my soul”: This is what we achieve through individual, collective and ritual prayers, when practicing them with desire rather than in a routine manner. This longing is reflected in those we serve. Our lives become like what we say in the Our Father prayer: “On earth as it is in heaven.”
2) “Enlighten my Understanding”: This is what makes us have the spirit of enlightenment, so we can realize our goals. The Holy Spirit works within us and lights the way for us, as St John Chrysostom says: “The Holy Bible is a mine of pearls.”
3) “Allow me to be a partaker of Your life-giving mysteries”: Through repentance, confession, and Communion. Practicing these sacraments makes the human heart beat with longing, for God is the only one who knows the human heart. The heart is the gift we offer to God: “My son, give me your heart” (Proverbs 23:26). We unite with God in Communion: “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.” (John 6:56)
4) “That when I taste of Your benevolences”: Do you always complain or do you taste God’s goodness? Constant thanksgiving makes us taste God’s goodness.
5) “I offer You praise without lukewarmness”: That is, offering a life of joy, just as we chant to Him, “Praise God in all His saints.” A life of praise is a life of joy.
Saint Apollo said to a group of youth: “Why do you struggle with a sad face? Aren’t we heirs to eternal life?”
6) “Longing for Your splendor above all things”: To reach the sixth point, we must progress through the previous five points until we reach longing. This is the title of Psalm 42. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
After the sermon, His Holiness answered the audience’s questions. He then gave them souvenirs and took pictures with them.
His Holiness was keen to speak cordially and in a fatherly spirit with the priest’s children; both the youth and children.
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