Nuncios must be missionaries of the Gospel in every corner of the
world, "going out" physically, culturally and through prayer and
Adoration.
This was underlined Saturday morning by Pope Francis celebrating
Mass in Casa Santa Marta with the papal representatives from around the
world, on the occasion of their Jubilee.
The Pope also thanked Vatican
diplomats for their willingness to "always start over".
Francis, as reported by Vatican Radio, was inspired by the parable of
the Sower and said that often the life of the nuncios is a "vagabond’s
life" constantly in movement: "When you have learned the language well, a
phonecall from Rome and ... 'Oh, look, how are you?' - 'Well ...' -
'You know, the Holy Father, who loves you so much ... he thought ...' -
because these calls, these calls are sweetly made, right? - '... He has
thought of you for this ...'. And pack your bags and go to another
place, leave friends, leave habits, leaving many things one has done ...
Going out of yourself, going out of that place to go to another. And
there, to begin again".
“When you arrive in a new country - said Francis - the nuncio must go
out once more: out of himself to learn, dialogue, to study the culture,
the way of thinking." This going out is also about to going receptions
"often times it is boring. But even there you sow. Some may think that
is too functional, administrative work that can be done by the laity:
but the other day, talking about this, I heard the Secretary of State
say: 'but, look, at those receptions where so many seem superficial but
they in reality seek out 'the priests collar '. And you all, you know
what you have done in so many souls. In high society, but without taking
part in the worldliness, taking people as they are , listening, talking
... this is also going out from the persona of the nuncio, to see
people, talk ... it is a cross. "
Jesus said, "that we, sow the grain, we plant the seed and then rest
for it is God who makes it sprout and grow. And even the nuncio must
come out of himself to the Lord who makes things grow, Who makes the
seed germinate; and he must come out of himself in front of the
tabernacle, in prayer, in worship. " It is a "great witness", this, he
reiterated, "the nuncio only adores the One who makes things grow, the
One who gives life": "These are the three paths of a nuncio: physically,
to pack, the roving life. Let us say culturally: to learn the culture,
learn the language ... 'Tell me' - in that phone call - 'tell me, what
languages do you speak?' - 'I speak good English, French, I get along
in Spanish ... '-' Ah, well, well ... But listen: the Pope has decided
to send you to Japan, eh! '-' But I do not know even one letter, of
these Japanese! '-' But, you'll learn! '. I was impressed by one of you
who before submitting credentials, had learned a difficult language in
two months, and had learned that language to celebrate: He re-started
this going out with enthusiasm and with joy. And the third exit: prayer,
worship”.
"Three ways of going forward - concluded the pope - and three ways to
serve Jesus Christ and the Church. And the Church thanks you for these
three ways of going forward. Thanks so much. And I, personally, want to
thank you. I admire so often, when in the early morning, I receive your
communications: how to look at this is good ... May the Lord give you
the grace to remain steadfast in these three ways of going forward,
these three ways of going out of yourselves. "