Fidelity requires both demolition and construction, pope says
September 16, 2024 at 3:55 p.m.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - When the first members of the Congregation of Clerics Regular, commonly known as the Theatine Fathers, made their solemn profession of vows in St. Peter's Basilica 500 years ago, it was a construction site.
And when they met Pope Francis Sept. 14, the 500th anniversary, they did so in St. Peter's Basilica where the baldachin towering over the papal altar and the tomb of St. Peter is shrouded in scaffolding.
Speaking to members of the order and thousands of pilgrims from around the world who traveled to the Vatican with them for the anniversary, Pope Francis said the setting for the vows and the anniversary was apt.
In 1524, the original St. Peter's Basilica was being demolished because it "no longer suited the needs of God's people," and a new church was needed.
"Work was proceeding slowly, funds were scarce, and even the plans were not entirely clear," the pope said. "Yet they set to work, because the community was growing, and the previous structures were no longer sufficient."
In the same way, he said, the church, its religious orders and all its members need to be ready always "to embark on courageous paths of renewal."
"It is interesting," the pope said, "fidelity must be renewed."
While the foundation of faith remains firm, he said, Christians must "demolish what is no longer needed in order to build something new, docile to the Spirit and trusting in providence."
Another essential element for building such a massive basilica or a living church is community, he said. The church and its efforts to share the Gospel require the contributions of skilled artisans and laborers engaged in the humblest of tasks.
The third element is service, he said. "The most beautiful plans would have led to nothing if people had not rolled up their sleeves and set to work. Good intentions remain barren if one does not genuinely place oneself at the service of others, with humility, goodwill and a spirit of sacrifice."
The beauty of the basilica, though, is only a symbol of the church as the people of God, he said.
"Five hundred years ago your founders did not consecrate their life to a building site filled with bricks and marble," he said, but rather "to the Church with a capital 'C' -- the Church, Bride of Christ, people of God and mystical body of the Lord."
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.
Related Stories
Encountering, following Jesus changes everything, pope says
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
E-Editions
Events
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - When the first members of the Congregation of Clerics Regular, commonly known as the Theatine Fathers, made their solemn profession of vows in St. Peter's Basilica 500 years ago, it was a construction site.
And when they met Pope Francis Sept. 14, the 500th anniversary, they did so in St. Peter's Basilica where the baldachin towering over the papal altar and the tomb of St. Peter is shrouded in scaffolding.
Speaking to members of the order and thousands of pilgrims from around the world who traveled to the Vatican with them for the anniversary, Pope Francis said the setting for the vows and the anniversary was apt.
In 1524, the original St. Peter's Basilica was being demolished because it "no longer suited the needs of God's people," and a new church was needed.
"Work was proceeding slowly, funds were scarce, and even the plans were not entirely clear," the pope said. "Yet they set to work, because the community was growing, and the previous structures were no longer sufficient."
In the same way, he said, the church, its religious orders and all its members need to be ready always "to embark on courageous paths of renewal."
"It is interesting," the pope said, "fidelity must be renewed."
While the foundation of faith remains firm, he said, Christians must "demolish what is no longer needed in order to build something new, docile to the Spirit and trusting in providence."
Another essential element for building such a massive basilica or a living church is community, he said. The church and its efforts to share the Gospel require the contributions of skilled artisans and laborers engaged in the humblest of tasks.
The third element is service, he said. "The most beautiful plans would have led to nothing if people had not rolled up their sleeves and set to work. Good intentions remain barren if one does not genuinely place oneself at the service of others, with humility, goodwill and a spirit of sacrifice."
The beauty of the basilica, though, is only a symbol of the church as the people of God, he said.
"Five hundred years ago your founders did not consecrate their life to a building site filled with bricks and marble," he said, but rather "to the Church with a capital 'C' -- the Church, Bride of Christ, people of God and mystical body of the Lord."
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.