Today (Thursday) H.H. Pope Tawadros II consecrated the Church of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph of Arimathea in Corvetto; Milan.

Upon his arrival at the church, His Holiness unveiled the memorial plaque dating its consecration, and commemorative photos were taken of him in front of the plaque, along with His Grace Bishop Antonio (Bishop of Milan), members of the delegation accompanying His Holiness, His Grace Bishop Louka, some of the priests of Milan and monks of the Monastery of St. Shenouda in Milan.

The convoy of His Holiness then entered the church, amid a warm welcome from the diocese’s congregation present.

The church’s main altar was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph of Arimathea, the northern altar in the name of Saint Veronica, and the southern altar in the name of Saint John the Beloved. The icon of the Pantocrator and the icons of the iconstasis were also consecrated. The baptismal font was consecrated in the name of Saint John the Baptist.

The church attached to the main church, which bears the name of the Church of the Heavenly, was also consecrated, along with its altar, the icon of the Pantocrator, and the icons of the iconstasis.

The Divine Liturgy prayers then began, during which His Holiness baptized six children from the Diocese of Milan. In the Liturgy’s sermon, His Holiness introduced the members of the accompanying delegation and His Grace Bishop Louka, adding: “We are all in the hospitality of Bishop Antonio. We will never forget the founder of the diocese, Metropolitan Kyrillos, who is now rejoicing over you in heaven.”

How can a person be wise?

His Holiness then addressed the readings of today’s Liturgy, which is the first of the Coptic month of Baba. The subject of the Gospel was “The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.” He explained that what is meant by wisdom and ignorance is spiritual knowledge and knowledge of a person’s life and its extension into heaven. He added that the number “five” symbolizes human senses and that the transparent lamps symbolize human life because the simplest thing breaks it. The oil symbolizes the work of mercy because oil is the first medicine that was used in treatment, and the arrival of the groom symbolizes the end of life.

His Holiness pointed out that the essence of the parable is that a person thinks he is close to Christ, but loses the opportunity that God gave him, which is time and age. Therefore, it is important that we make wise use of our lives, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Wisdom lies in valuing time and making it as precious as the time of redemption on the Cross, through:

1- Adhering to Christ and always waiting for Him in prayer, so that we remain connected to Him, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1). The Church is always looking towards the Lord Christ, even when we sit we face the East, waiting for the coming of the Lord Christ.

2- Adhering to the Holy Bible: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). The commandments of the Bible are valid for every day, “Blessed is he who reads” (Revelation 1:3 ).

3- Adherence to the Church through the Holy Sacraments (repentance and confession, and Communion), Liturgies, and educational meetings, as the Church represents a lifeboat so that we can live in salvation and be saved from the destruction of this world.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Holiness blessed the people, and after a short rest, he met them, shook hands with them all, and presented them with a memorial gift.

This page is also available in: العربية