St. Gregory the Great: a Pope who changed history

St. Gregory the Great was a reformer of the liturgy, promoter of Gregorian chant, defender of the poor and promoter of evangelization, his pontificate marked a before and after in history. His life reminds us that true greatness lies in serving God and others with generous love.

Throughout its history, the Catholic Church has had extraordinary figures who, in moments of crisis and darkness, have known how to guide the Christian people with wisdom, humility and fortitude. One of these providential men was St. Gregory the Great (540-604), Pope between 590 and 604, considered one of the four great Fathers of the Latin Church. His pontificate left an indelible mark on the liturgy, the evangelizing mission and the organization of the Church.

St. Gregory is remembered as "the pope who ruled with a monk's heart".because, in spite of assuming the weight of the headquarters of Rome in a turbulent time, he always maintained the spirit of service and humility that he had cultivated in his monastic life.

His figure continues to be a current example for pastors and faithful, because he knew how to combine firmness of government with a deep interior life, personal austerity with great generosity towards the poor, and tradition with openness to the needs of his time.

In this blog story we will delve into his life, his historical context, his main works and why the Church venerates him as a saint and Doctor of the Church.

Roma, la ciudad que vio nacer a san Gregorio Magno, estaba muy lejos de su antiguo esplendor imperial.

Historical context: a Rome in ruins

St. Gregory was born in Rome around 540, into an aristocratic family of ancient senatorial tradition. The city where he was born was far from its former imperial splendor: after the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476), Rome had been reduced to a decadent place, stricken by wars, epidemics and poverty.

The western world was fragmented and under pressure from peoples, such as the Lombards, who had invaded Italy and constantly threatened the city of Rome. The political authority was weak and the only stable reference point for the people was the Church and the Pope.

This context of crisis was decisive in understanding the figure of Gregory: a man who, without seeking it, had to assume the burden of guiding not only the spiritual life, but also the material survival of an entire people.

Claustro monástico con arquerías, columnas y un monje caminando de espaldas
A monk walks along a stone cloister, whose arcades open onto a courtyard.

From prefect of Rome to Benedictine monk

Gregorio received a refined education befitting his social rank. He was trained in Law, Literature and Administration, which allowed him to occupy positions of great responsibility. Around the year 572 he became prefect of RomeThe city's highest civil authority.

However, after the death of his father, Gregory decided to make a radical change in his life. He sold much of his possessions to help the poor and transformed his house on Mount Celio into a Benedictine monastery. He himself retired there as a monk, leading a life of prayer, study and austerity.

His monastic vocation was always the center of his identity, and although obedience later led him to leave this contemplative life, Gregory never ceased to consider himself a simple "servant of the servants of God," a title he introduced and which is still used today by the Popes as a sign of humility.

Arte renacentista: ceremonia de investidura papal con vestimentas eclesiásticas y tiara
A new pontiff receives the papal tiara from clerics and cardinals, marking the moment of his investiture.

The Pope who did not want to be Pope

In the year 590, after the death of Pope Pelagius II, Gregory was elected as successor of St. Peter. The choice was not easy: Gregory tried to resist, even asking the emperor not to confirm his appointment, as he felt he was not prepared for the enormous burden. However, the Roman people acclaimed him and he finally accepted the Petrine ministry.

His pontificate began in the midst of a terrible plague that was ravaging Rome. Tradition has it that he organized penitential processions and processions of supplication to the Virgin, in which, on arriving at Hadrian's mausoleum, he had a vision of the archangel Michael sheathing his sword, a sign that the plague was coming to an end. From then on, that place was called Castel Sant'Angelo.

A pastor and reformer Pope

St. Gregory ruled the Church for 14 years, until his death in 604. His work can be summarized as:

1. Liturgical Reform and Gregorian chant

One of the best known legacies of Gregory the Great is the consolidation of the Roman liturgy. He gave unity to the rites, promoted clarity in the prayers and set norms for the celebration of Mass and chant in the liturgy.

Although he did not invent Gregorian chant, he did promote and organize it, so that the musical tradition of the Western Church was linked to his name. Gregorian chant became a universal expression of prayer and beauty that is still alive today in monasteries and temples around the world.

2. The evangelizing mission

Gregory understood that the Gospel had to reach all peoples. He sent missionaries from Rome, the most famous case being that of saint Augustine of Canterburywho brought the Christian faith to the Anglo-Saxon peoples in England. Thanks to this initiative, the English Church became in a few centuries a focus of evangelization for the whole of Europe.

With this missionary impulse, Gregory reinforced the universality of the Church and laid the foundations for the Christianization of medieval Europe.

3. Charity as the axis of his pontificate

If anything characterized Gregory, it was his closeness to the poorest. The Roman Church, under his government, became the main institution of assistance to the needy. He organized a system of distribution of food and aid, administering with great rigor the ecclesiastical goods to put them at the service of the people.

His example of personal austerity was clear: while he ruled firmly, he lived simply, aware that his mission was to serve.

4. Writings and spiritual doctrine

St. Gregory was a prolific and clear writer. His works were widely disseminated and marked the spirituality of the Middle Ages. Among them are:

The Pastoral Rule: a manual for bishops and pastors on how to exercise their ministry with humility and zeal. It was so influential that Charlemagne had it distributed to all the bishops of his empire.

Dialogues: where he narrates the lives of Italian saints, especially St. Benedict of Nursia, whose spirituality he deeply admired.

Homilies on Ezekiel and on the Gospels: with clear and practical teachings for the Christian life.

His theology, more pastoral than speculative, stood out for its ability to unite doctrine with life, wisdom with closeness.

5. Government and diplomacy

Gregory was not only a spiritual leader, he also had to serve as an administrator and diplomat in a devastated Italy. He negotiated directly with the Lombards, reaching peace agreements that saved lives and protected the city of Rome.

He also strengthened the organization of the Church, sending letters and directives to bishops all over the world. We have preserved more than 800 of his letters, which allow us to see his enormous activity and pastoral care.

Holiness and legacy

St. Gregory died on March 12, 604, exhausted by illness and incessant work. He was buried in St. Peter's Basilica, where his tomb is still venerated.

The people proclaimed him a saint almost immediately. His reputation for holiness was due to his austere life, his love for the poor, his fidelity to prayer and his zeal for the Church. In 1295, Pope Boniface VIII declared him a saint. Doctor of the Churchrecognizing the depth of his spiritual teaching.

Today he is remembered as St. Gregory the GreatThe title he shares with only a few Popes in history, such as St. Leo the Great.

gregorio magno papa
St. Gregory the Great, painting by Antonello da Messina.

Why is St. Gregory the Great still relevant today?

Although more than 1,400 years have passed since his death, the figure of St. Gregory is still very relevant for the Church and for the world:

Exceptional in times of crisis

St. Gregory the Great was an exceptional Pope who knew how to lead the Church in times of crisis, not from power, but from humility and service. His life demonstrates that holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things, but in living with fidelity and dedication the responsibilities that God places in our hands on a daily basis.

The Church venerates him as a saint and doctor because he united the prayer of the monk, the wisdom of the teacher and the fortitude of the pastor. His example continues to inspire Christians today to be light in the midst of darkness, humble servants of others and faithful messengers of the Gospel.

As he wrote in his Pastoral Rule: "He who has been placed as pastor must be, above all, an example of life, so that his very conduct may be a point of reference for others."

St. Gregory the Great teaches us that true greatness is in the magna caritasin the great and generous love that gives itself without measure.

Four steps of the sacrament of Confession

"Jesus Christ our Lord, our God, instituted the sacraments, which are like the footprints of his footsteps, so that we may tread there and reach Heaven. And one of the most beautiful and consoling sacraments is the sacrament of Confession", St. Josemaría Escrivá, Argentina, June 15, 1974.

St. Josemaría quoted and here we show you what he said about the sacrament as a marvel of God's love.

Sacrament of Confession

Christ instituted this sacrament offering us a new possibility to convert and to recover, after Baptism, the grace of God.

«The sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing. When I go to confession, it is to heal myself, to heal my soul, to heal my heart, and to heal something I did that is not working well.», Pope Francis, General Audience, February 19, 2014.

Like all the sacraments, this is an encounter with Jesus. During Confession, we tell our sins to Jesus. priest who acts in the person of Christ and with the authority of Jesus to listen, offer guidance, provide adequate penance and pronounce the words of absolution.

"At the celebration of the In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest does not represent God alone, but to the whole Community, which recognizes itself in the fragility of each of its members, which listens to their repentance, which is moved, which is reconciled with Him, which encourages and accompanies them on the path of conversion and of human and Christian maturity.

Someone may say: "I confess only to God". Yes, you can say to God: "forgive me", and tell him your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church, and for this reason it is necessary to ask forgiveness from the Church and our brothers, in the person of the priestPope Francis, Catechesis of Wednesday, February 19, 2013.

St. Josemaría used to call Confession the sacrament of joy, because through it one recovers the joy and peace that friendship with God brings.

examen confesión sacramento examen sacerdote pasos
Moment of Confession, sign of God's forgiveness and mercy.

Importance of Confession

This sacrament not only restores our relationship as sons and daughters of God, but also reconciles us to each other by remaking our union with the Body of Christ, his Church.

Pope Francis explained the importance of confession with these words: "The forgiveness of our sins is not something we can give ourselves. I cannot say: I forgive myself my sins. Forgiveness is asked for, it is asked of another, and in Confession we ask Jesus for forgiveness. Forgiveness is not the fruit of our efforts, but it is a gift, a gift of the Holy Spirit".

There are several details that we can take into account to do it in a deeper and more effective way.

For example, we can help ourselves with a guide with the necessary keys for a good examination of conscience. It is the moment to be sincere with oneself and with God, knowing that He does not want our past sins to oppress us, but that He wants to free us from them so that we can live as His good children.

sacramento confesión examen
Alvaro del Portillo gives absolution to St. Josemaría.

Steps for a good Confession

The Catechism of the Church proposes four steps for a good confession. These express the path to conversion, which goes from the analysis of our actions to the action that demonstrates the change that has taken place in us.

There are four steps we take to be able to receive the great embrace of love that God, our Father, wants to give us with this sacrament: "God waits for us, like the father in the parable, with outstretched arms, even if we do not deserve it. Our debt does not matter. As in the case of the prodigal son, we need only open our hearts" (St. Josemaría, Christ Is Passing By, no. 64).

1st Examination of conscience

In the examination of conscience we try to examine our soul in prayer before God, in the light of the teachings of the Church, starting from our last confession.

We reflect on those actions, thoughts or words that may have distanced us from God, offended others or harmed us internally.

There are several details that we can take into account to do it in a deeper and more effective way. For example, we can use a guide with the necessary keys for a good examination of conscience. 

It is the moment to be sincere with oneself and with God, knowing that He does not want our past sins to oppress us, but that He wants to free us from them so that we can live as His good children.

2º Contrition and resolution not to sin again.

Contrition or repentance, is a gift from God. It is a sorrow of the soul and a rejection of our sins, which includes the resolution not to sin again.

Confession consists of telling sins to the priest. Sometimes, repentance comes with an intense feeling of pain or shame, which helps us to make amends. But this feeling is not indispensable. The important thing is to understand that we have done wrong and to have the desire to improve as Christians. Otherwise, we will put ourselves in God's hands to ask Him to work in our hearts to reject evil.

"Contrition," the Pope explains, "is the portico of repentance, it is that privileged path that leads to the heart of God, who welcomes us and offers us another chance, provided that we open ourselves to the truth of penance and allow ourselves to be transformed by his mercy.

3º Confess sins

The priest is an instrument of God. Let us put aside shame or pride, and open our souls in the certainty that it is God who listens to us.

"Confessing to a priest is a way of placing my life in the hands and heart of another, who at that moment acts in the name and on behalf of Jesus. [It is important that I go to the confessional, that I place myself in front of a priest who represents Jesus, that I kneel in front of Mother Church, who is called to distribute the Mercy of God. There is an objectivity in this gesture, in kneeling in front of the priest, which, at that moment, is the process of the grace that comes to me and heals me."Pope Francis. The name of God is mercy, 2016.

Confession consists of telling sins to the priest. It is often said that a good confession has "4 C's":

  • Clear: point out what the specific fault was, without adding excuses.
  • Concrete: say the precise act or thought, do not use generic phrases.
  • Concise: avoid unnecessary explanations or descriptions.
  • Complete: without silencing any serious sin, overcoming shame.

    • Confession is a sacrament, the celebration of which includes certain gestures and words on the part of the penitent and the priest. the most beautiful moment of the sacrament of Confession, for we receive God's forgiveness.

    4º Fulfill the penance

    Penance is a simple act that represents our reparation for the fault we have committed. It is also a good occasion to thank God for the forgiveness we have received, and to renew our resolution not to sin again.

    Bibliography

    St. Bartholomew, apostle: example of faith and dedication

    The Church history is full of testimonies of saints and apostles, such as St. Bartholomew, who show by their lives how to respond to God's call with total dedication and generosity.

    One of the twelve chosen by Jesus to announce the Gospel to the world. Nathanael can be a beacon of inspiration for those young men who feel the call to a priestly or religious vocation.

    Who was Saint Bartholomew?

    St. Bartholomew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, named in the Gospels, although with few explicit mentions in the New Testament. He is traditionally identified with Nathanael, a young Israelite known for his sincerity and deep faith in Jesus. His name, Bartholomew, means son of Tolmai or son of the teacher, and Nathanael, God has given.

    Although his figure appears briefly, tradition and history attribute to him a fundamental role in the expansion of Christianity, reaching distant lands to proclaim the Lord and the Gospel.

    The call of St. Bartholomew

    St. Bartholomew's vocation began in a moment of profound sincerity and search for truth. In the Gospel of John (1:45-51)Philip, one of the first disciples of the Master, meets Nathanael and tells him: "We have found him of whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph". Nathanael, skeptical, replies, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?".

    But when he meets Jesus, who surprises him by saying that he had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him, his heart opens to faith, exclaiming, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel."

    This meeting is a precious example for all those who feel the call: a vocation is always born from a personal encounter with Christ, who knows our heart and invites us to follow him with total trust.

    A testimony of life

    After his encounter with Jesus, St. Bartholomew did not hesitate to leave behind his former life to devote himself fully to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. According to tradition, he preached in various regions, such as the India, Armenia, Mesopotamia and Ethiopiatransmitting the word of God and often facing great difficulties and persecutions.

    His courage and fidelity are an example for those preparing for the priesthood or consecrated life. Unreserved dedication to the mission, courageous witness even in the face of suffering, and trust in God's providence are essential traits that St. Bartholomew transmits to us.

    San Bartolomé, apóstol mártir servicio iglesia
    The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, José de Ribera, Museo del Prado.

    Martyrdom, the culmination of love for Christ

    Like many apostles, St. Bartholomew gave his life for love of Christ and the Church. Tradition has it that he was martyred for preaching faith in Jesus. It is said that he was flayed alive, a particularly cruel martyrdom which, however, did not make him lose heart and renounce Love.

    This extreme sacrifice reminds us that the priestly and religious vocation is a call to give one's life for the Gospel, not necessarily in a physical way, but with total and unreserved love, willing to give our time, talents and, at times, even face trials for the love of Christ and others.

    Why is St. Bartholomew an example for seminarians and priests?

    At the CARF Foundation, which promotes the formation of diocesan priestsIn St. Bartholomew we see an exemplary model of faith, dedication and courage. His life invites us to reflect on three fundamental aspects:

    The legacy of St. Bartholomew

    The mission of the CARF Foundation is support the formation of priests so that they may respond faithfully to God's call, just as St. Bartholomew did. We believe that every seminarian, like the apostle, is called to be a light in the world, the smile of God in the world and a living witness to the love of Christ.

    To support a seminarian is to accompany that vocation that springs from a personal encounter with Jesus and is expressed in a life given, often with sacrifices, for the salvation of souls. For this reason, we invite you to learn more about the Foundation's work and to join us in this beautiful mission.

    St. Bartholomew, apostle and martyr, teaches us that the true greatness of the Christian life lies in responding to the call of Christ with an open heart, full of faith and love. His example challenges all those who feel the call to the priestly or consecrated life not to fear the obstacles, but to trust fully in God's grace.

    May his life and testimony be an inspiration so that more and more young people may discover the beauty of vocation and give their lives to God and to the service to the Church.

    The Gospel of the day (Jn 1:45-51)

    At that time, Philip found Nathanael and said to him:

    - We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Then Nathanael said to him:

    - Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

    -Come and see," Philip replied.

    Jesus saw Nathanael approaching and said of him:

    - Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no duplicity. Nathanael answered him:

    - How do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him:

    - Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

    Nathanael replied:

    -Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.

    Jesus replied:

    -Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you think? You will see greater things. And he added:

    - Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

    Bibliography:

    Saint Mary Queen: the Virgin Mary, empress of heaven and earth

    Every year, the Church celebrates with emotion the feast of St. Mary QueenIt is a date that invites us to contemplate with deep devotion the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. St. Josemaría teaches us his devotion and love for our mother. Her reign is not based on human power, but on the immense love she has for us all; on a surrender to God's will with humility and service, in perfect harmony with her yes from the first moment of the Incarnation of the Son of God.

    The Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954.It was later, with the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, it was placed within the octave of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on August 22. Thus, the coronation of Mary as Queen and Mistress of all creation is celebrated just after her glorious entrance into heaven in body and soul.

    Holy Mary Queen because she is Mother

    The royalty of the Virgin Mary is intimately linked to her role as Mother of God. St. Josemaría Escrivá, a great devotee of our Mother, often meditated on this truth, teaching that Mary was the first woman of the world. exalted by God above every creatureWe have as our Mother the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and of the World".

    On another occasion St. Josemaría wrote in a homily: "If our faith is weak, let us turn to Mary. St. John tells us that through the miracle of the wedding feast at Cana, which Christ performed at the request of his Mother, his disciples believed in him. Our Mother always intercedes before her Son so that he will attend to us and show himself to us in such a way that we can confess: You are the Son of God, Friends of God 285

    From the first moment of her conception, Mary was filled with grace. She was preserved from original sin and lived her entire existence perfectly united to the will of God. In the fullness of her self-giving, she accepted to be the Mother of the Savior, and at the foot of the Cross, she also became the Mother of God. Mother of all men and Coredemptrix with her Son.

    Therefore, her reign is not symbolic: it is a reflection of her essential role in the plan of salvation, willed by God as intercessor, protector and guide of the Christian people.

    Santa María Reina san Josemaría amor a la Virgen María

    Virgin Mary source of peace in the midst of storms

    Unlike human reigns marked by power or ambition, Mary's reign is filled with maternal tenderness and compassion. As St. Josemaría points out, she is Queen of Peaceand to turn to her is to find consolation: "Holy Mary is the Queen of Peace. Therefore, when your soul is troubled... do not cease to acclaim her.... Regina pacis, ora pro nobis!".

    Our Lady is not distant: she is close, understanding and available. Many Christians experience how, when they turn to her in the midst of difficulties-illness, family worries, vocational doubts-her presence serenades the heart and opens paths of hope.

    Queen and Mother of the Apostles

    In addition to consoling, Mary encourages. It is Regina ApostolorumQueen of Apostles. St. Josemaría insisted that the Blessed Virgin Mary encourages us to live a life of self-giving and mission:

    "Be bold. You can count on the help of Mary, Regina apostolorum. And Our Lady, without ceasing to behave as a Mother, knows how to place her children before their precise responsibilities. (...) Many conversions, many decisions of dedication to the service of God have been preceded by an encounter with Mary. Our Lady has fostered the desire to search, she has maternally activated the anxieties of the soul, she has made us aspire to a change, to a new life. And so the "do what he will tell you" became a reality of loving dedication, a Christian vocation that has since then illuminated our whole personal life.". St. Josemaría, It is Christ who passes by, 149

    This apostolic dimension of Mary's reign connects profoundly with the mission of the CARF Foundationwhich promotes the training of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women at the service of the universal Church. Mary, who knew how to welcome and guide the vocation of the first apostles, continues today to accompany those who give their lives to the priesthood or consecrated life.

    How to celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Queen?

    We propose you to live this day with some simple but profound gestures:

    santa maría reina san josemaría virgen maría
    The Coronation of the Virgin Mary. Photo of the gallery of the scenes of the Rosary of the Sanctuary of Torreciudad.

    "Mary's divine Maternity is the root of all the perfections and privileges that adorn her. By this title, she was conceived immaculate and is full of grace, she is always a virgin, she ascended body and soul to heaven, she has been crowned Queen of all creation, above the angels and the saints. More than her, only God. The Blessed Virgin, because she is the Mother of God, possesses a dignity that is in a certain sense infinite, of the infinite good that is God. There is no danger of exaggerating. We can never delve deeply enough into this ineffable mystery; we can never thank Our Mother enough for this familiarity she has given us with the Most Blessed Trinity."St. Josemaría. Friends of God, 276

    Prayer proposal for August 22

    That this August 22, when honoring Saint Mary QueenLet us find in her maternal help and reigning presence the peace and the impulse to serve with generous hearts and willing hands.

    Bibliography:

    Why does the CARF Foundation support the formation of Catholic congregations?

    The CARF Foundation in its mission of service to the Church, is committed not only to facilitating access to formation for priests and future priests from all over the world, but also for members of various Catholic congregations of men and women religious.

    In the Church there are different Catholic denominations and congregations.

    Each religious congregation has its own mission and specific activities according to its charism. They dedicate their time to fields as diverse as education, health or social assistance to the most needy, or simply, through contemplation, to being the spiritual lungs of modern life. Their services are fundamental to our society and their work in these fields is highly appreciated and valued.

    The CARF Foundation, in addition to assisting in the formation of seminarians and diocesan priests from all over the world, also grants scholarships to religious men and women belonging to the various Catholic congregations so that they may have access to a solid and adequate formation for the realization of their mission as pastoral agents.

    Why is it important for Catholic congregations to have well-formed members?

    Members of Catholic congregations are important bearers and transmitters of the faith. A solid formation enables them to fully understand and live the fundamentals of the Gospel and the doctrine of the Church.

    Many of these religious orders are dedicated to education and are at the service of society. An integral formation enables them to respond to the needs of others more effectively and in keeping with their mission. Moreover, in an increasingly globalized world, it is essential that members of Catholic congregations be well trained both for institutional communication and for interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.

    The CARF Foundation supports the formation of religious congregations such as Franciscan priests.

    The Franciscan priests, who belonged to the Order of Friars Minoralso known as the Franciscan Friars, one of the most important religious congregations, share the distinctive characteristics of Franciscan spirituality founded by St. Francis of Assisi; they embrace evangelical poverty as a way of imitating Christ, living a simple life stripped of material goods and committed to living in fraternal community. The CARF Foundation, to the extent of its possibilities, supports the formation of religious congregations such as the Franciscan Friars.

    Father MarwanAfter serving as pastor at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, he was ordained a Franciscan priest. He studied at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, thanks to a study grant from the CARF Foundation.

    The CARF Foundation supports the formation of priests of the Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo.

    The Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo. Missionaries of Communion and LiberationLuigi Giussan, an Italian priest. The main objective of this movement is to promote a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and the profound experience of the Catholic faith in daily life.

    "I cannot fail to thank those who, with prayers and material help - such as my benefactors at the CARF Foundation - have helped me in my work.-I was able to study at this great university where I met many new friends from all over the world, and I was able to study in depth with excellent professors in so many disciplines that will help me in my mission as a priest of the Lord. Filippo Pellini is 32 years old, belongs to the Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo and has received a grant from the CARF Foundation to complete his theology studies at the University of Rome. Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. 

    congregaciones religiosas formación CARF PUSC

    The CARF Foundation supports the formation of priests of the Congregation of the Precious Blood. 

    The Missionaries of the Precious Blood, founded by St. Gaspar del Bufalo in 1815 in Italy, are dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel and the service of the redemption of the world through devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross.

    Their charism focuses on reconciliation, redemption and spiritual renewal. They seek to bring God's love and mercy to all corners of the world and to all people.

    The congregation is composed of priests and religious brothers who live in fraternal communities and profess the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. 

    Francesco Albertini is a young seminarian from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the first of his congregation to study at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, thanks to a study grant from the CARF Foundation.

    Table of Contents

    Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15

    The Asunción The Assumption is a reality that also touches us, because it indicates to us in a luminous way our destiny, that of humanity and of history. In Mary we contemplate the reality of glory to which each one of us and the whole Church are called.

    "The feast of the Assumption is a day of joy. God has won. Love has won. Life has won."

    The Assumption: "Heaven has a heart".

    It has become clear that love is stronger than death, that God has true strength, and his strength is goodness and love. Mary was raised to heaven body and soul: In God there is also a place for the body. Heaven is no longer for us a very distant and unknown sphere. In heaven we have a mother.

    And the Mother of God, the Mother of the Son of God, is our mother. He said so himself. He made her our mother when he said to the disciple and to all of us: "Behold your mother".

    The sky is open and has a heart. In the Gospel we have to listen to the Magnificat, this great poetry that came from the lips, or rather, from the heart of Mary.inspired by the Holy Spirit. In this marvelous hymn the whole soul, the whole personality of Mary is reflected. We can say that this song is a portrait, a true icon of Mary, in which we can see her as she is. I would like to highlight only two points of this great song.

    asunción de la virgen maría 15 agosto
    Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Martín Cabezalero, 1665.

    Magnificat, the song of thanksgiving

    It begins with the word Magnificat: my soul "magnifies" the Lord, i.e., proclaims that the Lord is great.Mary wants God to be great in the world, to be great in her life, to be present in all of us. She is not afraid. She knows that if God is great, we too are great. She does not oppress our life, but raises it up and makes it great: it is precisely then that it becomes great with the splendor of God.

    The fact that our first parents thought otherwise was at the core of original sin. They feared that, if God was too big, he would take something away from their life. They thought they had to push God aside in order to have room for themselves. This has also been the great temptation of modern times, of the last three or four centuries.

    This is precisely what the experience of our time has confirmed. Man is great only if God is great. With Mary we must begin to understand that this is so. We should not distance ourselves from God, but make God present, make God great in our life; then we too will be divine: we will have all the splendor of divine dignity. Let us apply this to our life. It is important that God be great among us, in public life and in private life.

    Let us magnify God in public life and in private life. That means making room for God every day in our life, starting from the morning with prayer and then giving time to God, giving Sunday to God.

    A second reflection. This poetry of Mary, the Magnificat, is totally original; however, at the same time, it is "woven" with "threads" of the Old Testament, with the word of God. Mary, so to speak, "made herself at home" in the word of God, lived by the word of God and understood it.

    Indeed, she spoke the words of God, and her thoughts were the thoughts of God. She was illuminated by divine light and also received the inner light of wisdom. She radiated love and goodness. Mary lived by the word of God; she was imbued with the word of God. By being immersed in the word of God, by having such familiarity with the word of God, she was immersed in the word of God.

    He who thinks with God, thinks well; and he who speaks with God, speaks well; he has valid criteria of judgment for all things in the world, he becomes wise, prudent and, at the same time, good; he also becomes strong and courageous, with the strength of God, who resists evil and promotes good in the world.

    More and more it has been thought and said: "This God does not leave us freedom, he limits the space of our life with all his commandments. Therefore, God must disappear; we want to be autonomous, independent. Without this God, we will be gods, and we will do as we please". Benedict XVI, Homily of August 10, 2012.

    la asunción de la virgen maría 15 de agosto

    The Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

    Thus Mary speaks to us, she speaks to us, she invites us to know the word of God, to love the word of God, to live with the word of God, to think with the word of God. And we can do this in many different ways: by reading Sacred Scripture, above all by taking part in Catholic MassIn the course of the year, the Holy Church opens to us the whole book of Sacred Scripture. She opens it to our life and makes it present in our life.

    But I am also thinking of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in which the word of God is applied to our life, interprets the reality of our life, helps us to enter the great "temple" of the word of God, to learn to love it and to be imbued, like Mary, with this word. Thus life becomes luminous and we have the criterion to judge, we receive goodness and strength at the same time.

    The Virgin Mary, through the Assumption, was raised body and soul to the glory of heaven, and with God is queen of heaven and earth. Is it so far away from us? On the contrary. Precisely by being with God and in God, he is very close to each one of us. When she was on earth, she could only be close to a few people. By being in God, who is close to us, even more, who is within all of us, Mary participates in this closeness of God.

    Being in God and with God, Mary is close to each one of us, she knows our hearts, she can hear our prayers, she can help us with her motherly goodness. She has been given to us as a "mother" - so the Lord said - to whom we can turn at every moment. She always listens to us, she is always close to us; and, being the Mother of the Son, she participates in the power of the Son, in his goodness.

    We can always place our whole life in the hands of this Mother, who is always close to each one of us. On this feast day, let us thank the Lord for the gift of this Mother and ask Mary to help us find the right path every day. Amen.

    asuncion virgen maría torreciudad 15 agosto

    Gospel (Lk 1:39-56) on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    "In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, into a city of Judah; and she entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried aloud, and said:

    -Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb: from whence is it so good for me that the mother of my Lord should come to visit me? For as soon as your greeting came to my ears, the child leaped for joy in my womb; and blessed are you who have believed, for the things spoken to you by the Lord will be fulfilled.

    Maria exclaimed:

    -My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior:

    because he has set his eyes on the humility of his handmaid; Therefore, from now on all women will call me blessed. generations.

    For the Almighty has done great things in me, whose name is Santo; his mercy is poured out from generation to generation on those who fear him.

    He manifested the power of his arm, scattered the proud in heart.

    He overthrew the powerful from their throne and exalted the humble.

    He filled the hungry with good things and the rich he sent away empty.

    He protected Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, as promised to our parents, Abraham and his descendants forever.

    Mary stayed with her for about three months, and returned home."

    Don Francisco Varo PinedaDirector of Research at the Faculty of Theology of University of Navarra and professor of Sacred Scripture.

    Excerpts from a homily delivered by Benedict XVI on August 15, 2005 at Castelgandolfo (Italy).