Pope: Religious brothers bear witness to fraternity in silent self-giving
By Devin Watkins
Pope Francis met Friday with a small delegation of religious brothers from the Italian Archdiocese of Milan.
In his prepared remarks, the Pope reflected on three aspects of the name of the consecrated menâs religious institute: the Diocesan Oblate Brothers.
He praised the âsmall but important signâ which religious brothers offer to the Church.
Gospel fraternity
Pope Francis said brothers are called to bear witness to âfraternity according to the Gospelâ, saying they do so with their identity as brothers, more than with their apostolic activities.
âFraternity,â he said, âis built with a concrete form of life, one which is stable but naturally lived in a myriad of various ways with each personâs personality, gifts, and limitations.â
He added that fraternity should offer religious brothers âinterior joyâ since it represents their unique way of being like Jesus.
âBeing a brother to everyone,â said the Pope, âis an aspect proper to the mystery of the Incarnation.â
Humble service
The Pope went on to reflect on the brothersâ identity as âOblatesâ, which comes from the Latin word oblatio, or âoblationâ, meaning âthe gift of selfâ in service.
Jesus, he said, came as a servant for all, but He did so in a way that shunned public praise.
âOurs is a hidden, humble, and at times humiliating service,â said Pope Francis. âThis, as we know, is the path for every Christian to follow.â
The Diocesan Oblate Brothers enjoy this form of service as a charism, and will therefore receive a special interior joy from the Holy Spirit, added the Pope.
He also held out the example of Mary, who went to help her cousin Elizabeth in her pregnancy. âThere were no photographers or journalists waiting for her,â he said. âAnd joy lies exactly in this aspect: Only the Lord knows! This is the beatitude of service.â
Faithfulness to a specific place and people
Finally, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of the groupâs identity as âdiocesanâ brothers.
He commended the fidelity and humility that goes with offering service to a specific diocese or territorial area.
âSometimes we would like to save the world!â said the Pope. âBut God tells us: âBe faithful to this service, to these people, to this good work.â
Jesus, added the Pope, came to save âthe lost sheep of Israelâ and thus fulfilled His faithfulness to the Father.
In conclusion, Pope Francis pointed out a âlaw of loveâ that can offer inspiration for the Diocesan Oblate Brothers of Milan and every Christian.
âWe cannot love humanity in the abstract,â he said. âWe love this or that person. Faithfulness is a rare gift!â
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