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Christmas Greetings from Pope Francis to the Curia in Rome

colinPeter

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPP-SDC (2009) Somport-Jaca, Burgos-SDC, Cee-Muxia (2012) Le Puy - Aumont-Aubrac (2014) SJPP-SDC (Oct 2015)
ARE YOU GUILTY OF ANY OF THE POPE'S '15 AILMENTS OF THE CURIA'?
During today's Christmas speech Pope Francis read out 15 sins that he believed the Curia was guilty of complete with footnotes and Biblical references. These included:
1) Feeling immortal, immune or indispensable. 'A Curia that doesn't criticize itself, that doesn't update itself, that doesn't seek to improve itself is a sick body.'
2) Working too hard. 'Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.'
3) Becoming spiritually and mentally hardened. 'It's dangerous to lose that human sensibility that lets you cry with those who are crying, and celebrate those who are joyful.'
4) Planning too much. 'Preparing things well is necessary, but don't fall into the temptation of trying to close or direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is bigger and more generous than any human plan.'
5) Working without coordination, like an orchestra that produces noise. 'When the foot tells the hand, 'I don't need you' or the hand tells the head 'I'm in charge.''
6) Having 'spiritual Alzheimer's.' 'We see it in the people who have forgotten their encounter with the Lord ... in those who depend completely on their here and now, on their passions, whims and manias, in those who build walls around themselves and become enslaved to the idols that they have built with their own hands.'
7) Being rivals or boastful. 'When one's appearance, the color of one's vestments or honorific titles become the primary objective of life.'
8) Suffering from 'existential schizophrenia.' 'It's the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy that is typical of mediocre and progressive spiritual emptiness that academic degrees cannot fill. It's a sickness that often affects those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic work, losing contact with reality and concrete people.'
9) Committing the 'terrorism of gossip.' 'It's the sickness of cowardly people who, not having the courage to speak directly, talk behind people's backs.'
10) Glorifying one's bosses. 'It's the sickness of those who court their superiors, hoping for their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, they honor people who aren't God.'
11) Being indifferent to others. 'When, out of jealousy or cunning, one finds joy in seeing another fall rather than helping him up and encouraging him.'
12) Having a 'funereal face.' 'In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity. The apostle must be polite, serene, enthusiastic and happy and transmit joy wherever he goes.'
13) Wanting more. 'When the apostle tries to fill an existential emptiness in his heart by accumulating material goods, not because he needs them but because he'll feel more secure.'
14) Forming 'closed circles' that seek to be stronger than the whole. 'This sickness always starts with good intentions but as time goes by, it enslaves its members by becoming a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much bad — scandals — especially to our younger brothers.'
15) Seeking worldly profit and showing off. 'It's the sickness of those who insatiably try to multiply their powers and to do so are capable of calumny, defamation and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally to show themselves as being more capable than others.

(Daily Mail Australia)
 
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Probably true of Civil Services the world over. I've been out of the British Civil Service for over 3 years now, but I still have a funereal face.
 
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ARE YOU GUILTY OF ANY OF THE POPE'S '15 AILMENTS OF THE CURIA'?
During today's Christmas speech Pope Francis read out 15 sins that he believed the Curia was guilty of complete with footnotes and Biblical references. These included:
1) Feeling immortal, immune or indispensable. 'A Curia that doesn't criticize itself, that doesn't update itself, that doesn't seek to improve itself is a sick body.'
2) Working too hard. 'Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.'
3) Becoming spiritually and mentally hardened. 'It's dangerous to lose that human sensibility that lets you cry with those who are crying, and celebrate those who are joyful.'
4) Planning too much. 'Preparing things well is necessary, but don't fall into the temptation of trying to close or direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is bigger and more generous than any human plan.'
5) Working without coordination, like an orchestra that produces noise. 'When the foot tells the hand, 'I don't need you' or the hand tells the head 'I'm in charge.''
6) Having 'spiritual Alzheimer's.' 'We see it in the people who have forgotten their encounter with the Lord ... in those who depend completely on their here and now, on their passions, whims and manias, in those who build walls around themselves and become enslaved to the idols that they have built with their own hands.'
7) Being rivals or boastful. 'When one's appearance, the color of one's vestments or honorific titles become the primary objective of life.'
8) Suffering from 'existential schizophrenia.' 'It's the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy that is typical of mediocre and progressive spiritual emptiness that academic degrees cannot fill. It's a sickness that often affects those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic work, losing contact with reality and concrete people.'
9) Committing the 'terrorism of gossip.' 'It's the sickness of cowardly people who, not having the courage to speak directly, talk behind people's backs.'
10) Glorifying one's bosses. 'It's the sickness of those who court their superiors, hoping for their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, they honor people who aren't God.'
11) Being indifferent to others. 'When, out of jealousy or cunning, one finds joy in seeing another fall rather than helping him up and encouraging him.'
12) Having a 'funereal face.' 'In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity. The apostle must be polite, serene, enthusiastic and happy and transmit joy wherever he goes.'
13) Wanting more. 'When the apostle tries to fill an existential emptiness in his heart by accumulating material goods, not because he needs them but because he'll feel more secure.'
14) Forming 'closed circles' that seek to be stronger than the whole. 'This sickness always starts with good intentions but as time goes by, it enslaves its members by becoming a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much bad — scandals — especially to our younger brothers.'
15) Seeking worldly profit and showing off. 'It's the sickness of those who insatiably try to multiply their powers and to do so are capable of calumny, defamation and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally to show themselves as being more capable than others.

(Daily Mail Australia)

truly a new classic - probably.
here is the original text in Italian -
http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/de/bollettino/pubblico/2014/12/22/0979/02116.html

(aside note: the Daily Mail text/translation (which apparently is based on what the Associated Press provided) is rather poorly done and not even complete. if i find a good and complete translation, will post it here.)


update: haven't found any translation yet - but perhaps this site will post it in days to come:
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/detail/articolo/francesco-francisco-francis-38203/

UPDATE Dec 27: found translation that closely matches the words of the Pope as spoken:
http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-address-to-roman-curia#_ftn14

At 10:30 this morning, Pope Francis received in audience the Cardinals and Superiors of the Roman Curia for the presentation of Christmas greetings.

After the greeting of the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Pope gave the Roman Curia the address ZENIT translates below.

* * *

“Thou art above the Cherubim, Thou who hast changed the miserable

condition of the world when Thou made Thyself like us” (Saint Athanasius).

Dear Brothers,

At the end of Advent we meet for the traditional greetings. In a few days we will have the joy of celebrating the Lord’s birth; the event of God who makes himself man to save men; the manifestation of the love of God who does not limit himself to give us something or to send us some message or some messengers, but gives himself to us; the mystery of God that takes our human condition and our sins on himself to reveal his divine life to us, his immense grace and his gratuitous forgiveness. It is the meeting with God who is born in the poverty of the cave of Bethlehem to teach us the power of humility. In fact, Christmas is also the feast of light that was not received by the “Chosen People” but by the “poor and simple people,” who awaited the Lord’s salvation.

First of all, I would like to wish you all – collaborators, brothers and sisters, papal representatives scattered throughout the world – and all your dear ones, a Holy Christmas and a happy New Year. I want to thank you cordially for your daily commitment at the service of the Holy See, of the Catholic Church, of the particular Churches and of the Successor of Peter.

We being persons and not numbers or just denominations, I remember in a special way those that, during this year, finished their service having reached the age limit or having taken on other roles or because they were called to the House of the Father. To all of them also, and to their families, go my thoughts and gratitude.

Together with you I wish to elevate to the Lord a heartfelt and profound gratitude for the year we are leaving behind, for the events lived and for all the good that He willed generously to fulfil through the service of the Holy See, asking Him humbly for forgiveness for the faults committed “in thoughts, words, deeds and omissions.”

And, in fact, beginning from this request for forgiveness, I would like our meeting and the reflections that I will share with you to become, for us all, a support and stimulus to a true examination of conscience to prepare our hearts for Holy Christmas.

Thinking of this, our meeting, there came to mind the image of the Church as “the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ.” It is an expression that, as Pope Pius XII explained, “flows and almost sprouts from what is frequently exposed in Sacred Scripture and in the Holy Fathers.”[1] In this connection, Saint Paul writes: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12)[2]

In this connection, the Second Vatican Council reminds us that, “there is in the structure of the Mystical Body of Christ a diversity of members and of offices. The Spirit is one, who for the use of the Church distributes the variety of his gifts with magnificence proportioned to His richness and to the needs of the ministries (Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11).”[3] Therefore ‘Christ and the Church’ form the “total Christ.” [“Christus totus”]. The Church “is one with Christ.”[4]

It is good to think of the Roman Curia as a small model of the Church, namely, as a “body” that seeks seriously and daily to be more alive, healthier, more harmonious and more united in itself and with Christ.

In reality, the Roman Curia is a complex body, made up of many Dicasteries, Councils, Offices, Tribunals, Commissions and of numerous elements that do not all have the same task, but are coordinated for efficient, edifying, disciplined and exemplary functioning, despite the cultural, linguistic and national differences of its members.[5]

In any case, the Curia being a dynamic body, it cannot live without being nourished and without taking care of itself. In fact, like the Church, the Curia cannot live without having a vital, personal, authentic and strong relation with Christ.[6] A member of the Curia that does not nourish himself daily with that food will become a bureaucrat (a formalist, a functionalist, an employee): a shoot that dries up and little by little dies and is thrown away. Daily prayer, assiduous participation in the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, daily contact with the Word of God and spirituality translated into lived charity are the vital nourishment for each one of us. May it be clear to us all that without Him we can do nothing (Cf. John 15:8).

Consequently, the living relation with God also nourishes and reinforces communion with others, that is, the more we are profoundly joined to God the more we will be united among ourselves because the Spirit of God unites and the spirit of the Evil One divides.

The Curia is called to improve itself, to improve itself always and to grow in communion, holiness and wisdom to realize its mission fully.[7] However, it, like every body, like every human body, is also exposed to sicknesses, to malfunctioning and to infirmity. And here I would like to mention some of these probable illnesses, curial illnesses – they are the more usual illnesses in our life of Curia. They are sicknesses and temptations that weaken our service to the Lord. I think a “catalogue” of illnesses will help us – following the way of the Desert Fathers who made those catalogues of which we speak today. It will help us to prepare ourselves for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be a good step for us all to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

1. The sickness of feeling oneself “immortal,” “immune” or in fact “indispensable,” neglecting the necessary and usual controls. A Curia that does not criticize itself, which does not update itself, which does not seek to improve itself is a sick body. An ordinary visit to cemeteries would help us to see the names of so many persons, some of whom thought they were immortal, immune and indispensable! It is the sickness of the foolish rich man of the Gospel who thought he would live eternally (Cf. Luke 12:13-21) and also of those who transform themselves into bosses and feel themselves superior to all and not at the service of all. This often stems from the pathology of power, of the “complex of the Elect,” of narcissism that looks passionately at its own image and does not see the image of God imprinted on the face of others, especially the weakest and neediest.[8] The antidote to this epidemic is the grace to see ourselves as sinners and to say with all our heart: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:10).

2. There is another: the sickness of “Martha-ism” (which stems from Martha), of excessive busyness: namely of those who immerse themselves in work, neglecting, inevitably, “the better part”: to be seated at Jesus’ feet (Cf. Luke 10:38-42). This is why Jesus called his disciples to “rest a while” (Cf. Mark 6:31), because to neglect necessary rest leads to stress and agitation. The time of rest, for one who has carried out his mission, is necessary, right and is lived seriously: in spending some time with relatives and in respecting holidays as moments for spiritual and physical recharging; we must learn what Quoleth teaches that “there is a time for everything” (3:1-15).

3. There is also the sickness of mental and spiritual “petrification”: namely those who have a heart of stone and a “stiff-neck” (Acts 7:51-60); those that, along the way, lose interior serenity, vivacity and daring and hide themselves under papers becoming “practice machines” and not “men of God” (Cf. Hebrews 3:12). It is dangerous to lose the necessary human sensibility to make us weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice! It is the sickness of those who lose “the sentiments of Jesus” (Cf. Philippians 2:5-11) because, with the passing of time, their heart is hardened and becomes incapable of loving unconditionally the Father and their neighbor (Cf. Matthew 22:34-40). To be Christian, in fact, means: “to have the same sentiments that were in Christ Jesus, sentiments of humility and of self-giving, of detachment and generosity.”

4. The sickness of excessive planning and functionalism: When the apostle plans everything minutely and thinks that with perfect planning things effectively progress, thus becoming an accountant or a businessman. It is necessary to prepare everything well but without ever falling into the temptation of wanting to enclose and pilot the freedom of the Holy Spirit who remains always greater, more generous than any human planning (Cf. John 3:8). One falls into this sickness because “it is always easier and more comfortable to settle down in one’s own static and unchanging positions. In reality, the Church shows herself faithful to the Holy Spirit in the measure in which she does not have the pretext of regulating or domesticating Him. To domesticate the Holy Spirit … He is freshness, imagination, novelty.”[9]

5. The sickness of bad coordination: when the members lose communion among themselves and the body loses its harmonious functioning and its temperance becoming an orchestra that produces noise because its members do not collaborate and do not live the spirit of communion and of team. When the foot says to the arm: ”I have no need of you,” or the hand to the head: “I command,” thus causing harm and scandal.

6. There is also the sickness of spiritual Alzheimer’s disease: namely the forgetfulness of the “history of Salvation,” of one’s personal history with the Lord, of one’s “first love” (Revelation 2:4). It is a progressive decline of the spiritual faculty which in a longer or shorter interval of time causes serious handicaps to the person, making him become incapable of carrying out an autonomous activity, living in a state of absolute dependence of his often imaginary views. We see it in those who have lost the memory of their encounter with the Lord; in those who do not make the Deuteronomic sense of life; in those that depend completely on their “present,” on their passions, whims and fixations; those who build walls and habits around themselves, becoming ever more slaves of idols that they have sculpted with their own hands.

7. The sickness of rivalry and vainglory[10][11]: when appearance, the color of garments and signs of honor become the primary objective of life, forgetting Saint Paul’s words: “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4). It is the sickness that leads us to be false men and women and to live a false “mysticism” and a false “Quietism.” Saint Paul himself describes them as “enemies of the Cross of Christ” because “they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19).

8. The sickness of existential schizophrenia: it is the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy typical of the mediocre and the progressive spiritual emptiness that degrees and academic titles cannot fill. A sickness that often strikes those that, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic affairs, thus losing contact with the reality, with concrete persons, thus creating a parallel world for themselves where they put aside all that they severely teach others and they begin to live a hidden and often dissolute life. Conversion is all the more urgent and indispensable for this very serious sickness (Cf. Luke 15:11-32).

9. The sickness of gossip, of grumbling and of tittle-tattle: I have already spoken so many times of this sickness but never enough: it is a grave sickness that begins simply, perhaps just having two chats and then it takes hold of the person making him become a “sower of discord” (like Satan), and in many cases “murderer in cold blood” of the reputation of his colleagues and brothers. It is the sickness of guarded persons who, not having the courage to speak directly, speak behind one’s back. Saint Paul admonishes us: “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent” (Philippians 2:14-18). Brothers, beware of the terrorism of gossip!

10. The sickness of divinizing directors: it is the sickness of those who court their Superiors, hoping to obtain their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and of opportunism, they honor persons and not God (Cf. Matthew 23:8-12). They are persons who live the service thinking only of what they must obtain and not of that what they must do. Mean, unhappy persons and inspired only by their own fatal egoism (Cf. Galatians 5:16-25). This sickness can also strike Superiors when they court some of their collaborators to obtain their submission, loyalty and psychological dependence, but the final result is a real complicity.

11. The sickness of indifference to others: when one thinks only of oneself and loses the sincerity and warmth of human relations. When the most expert does not put his knowledge at the service of colleagues who are less expert. When one acquires the knowledge of something and keeps it to himself instead of sharing it positively with others. When, because of jealousy or cunning, one feels joy in seeing the other fall instead of lifting him up again and encouraging him.

12. The sickness of the mournful face: namely of brusque and sullen persons, who believe that to be serious they must depend on a melancholy and severe face and treat others, especially those regarded as inferior – with rigidity, harshness and arrogance. In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism[12] are often symptoms of fear and of one’s own insecurity. The apostle must force himself to be a courteous, serene, enthusiastic and joyful person who transmits joy wherever he is. A heart full of God is a happy heart that radiates and infects with joy all those around him: it is seen immediately! Therefore, let us not lose that joyful spirit, full of humor, and even self-critical, which renders us affable persons, also in difficult situations.[13] How much good a good dosis of humor does! It will do us much good to recite often the prayer of Saint Thomas More[14]: I pray it every day, it does me much good.

13. The sickness of accumulating: when the apostle seeks to fill an existential void in his heart by accumulating material goods, not out of necessity but only to feel secure. In reality, we can take nothing material with us because “the shroud does not have pockets” and all our earthly treasures – also if they are gifts – will never be able to fill that void, in fact, they will render it ever more exacting and more profound. To these persons, the Lord repeats: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked … Therefore, be zealous and be converted” (Revelation 3:17-19). Accumulation only weighs down and slows the inexorable journey! And I think of an anecdote: one time the Spanish Jesuits described the Society of Jesus as the “light cavalry of the Church.” I remember the transfer of a young Jesuit that while loading his many belongings on a truck: bags, books, objects and gifts, heard an old Jesuit who was observing him say, with a wise smile: is this the Church’s “light cavalry”?! Our transfers give a sign of this sickness.

14. The sickness of closed circles: where belonging to a little group becomes more important than that of belonging to the Body and, in some situations, to Christ himself. This sickness also begins always with good intentions but with the passing of time enslaves the members, becoming “a cancer” that threatens the harmony of the Body and causes so much evil – scandals – especially to our littlest brothers. Self-destruction or “friendly fire” of fellow soldiers is the most deceitful danger.[15] It is the evil that strikes from within[16] and, as Christ says: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste” (Luke 11:17).

15. And the last one: the sickness of worldly profit, of exhibitionism[17]: when the apostle transforms his service into power, and his power into merchandise to obtain worldly profits or more powers. It is the sickness of persons who seek insatiably to multiply powers and for this purpose, they are capable of calumniating, defaming and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines. Naturally to exhibit themselves and to show themselves more capable than others. This sickness also does much evil to the body because it leads persons to justify the use of any means so long as they reach their purpose, often in the name of justice and of transparency! And here there comes to mind the memory of a priest who called journalists to tell them (and to invent) private and reserved things about his fellow priests and parishioners. What mattered to him was only to see himself on the front pages, because in this way he felt “powerful and fascinating,” causing so much harm to others and to the Church. Poor thing!

Brothers, these sicknesses and these temptations are, naturally, a danger for every Christian and for every Curia, community, Congregation, parish, Ecclesial Movement, etc. and they can strike at the individual as much as at the communal level.

We must clarify that it is only the Holy Spirit – the soul of the Mystical Body of Christ, as the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed affirms: “I believe … in the Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life” – to heal every infirmity. It is the Holy Spirit who supports every sincere effort of purification and every good will of conversion. He it is who makes us understand that every member participates in the sanctification of the Body and in its weakening. He is the promoter of harmony[18]: “ipse harmonia est,” says Saint Basil. Saint Augustine says to us: “While a part adheres to the body, its healing is not despaired of; instead, what was cut off cannot be taken care of or healed.”[19]

Healing is also the fruit of the awareness of the sickness and of the personal and communal decision to be cured, enduring the cure patiently and with perseverance.[20]

Therefore, in this Christmas season and for the whole time of our service and our existence, we are called to live “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Dear brothers!

Once I read that: “priests are like airplanes, they make news only when they fall, but there are so many that are flying. Many criticize and few pray for them.” It is a very nice phrase but also very true because it delineates the importance and the delicacy of our priestly service and how much evil one priest who “falls” can do to the whole Body of the Church.

Therefore, in order not to fall in these days in which we prepare for Confession, we ask the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, to heal the wounds of sin that each one of us bears in his heart and to support the Church and the Curia so that they are healthy and restored; holy and sanctifying, to the glory of her Son and for our salvation and that of the whole world. We ask her to make us love the Church as Christ loved her, her Son and our Lord, and to have the courage to acknowledge that we are sinners and in need of His Mercy and of not being afraid to leave our hands between her maternal hands.

Many good wishes for a Holy Christmas to you all, to your families and to your collaborators and, please, do not forget to pray for me! My heartfelt thanks!

---

[Translation by ZENIT]

1 He affirms that the Church, being Mystici Corporis Christi, “Also requires a multitude of members, who are so connected among themselves that they help one another mutually. And as in our mortal organism, when one member suffers, the others feel its pain and come to its aid, so in the Church the individual members do not live each one for himself, but give their help to others, offering themselves mutually in collaboration, be it for mutual comfort be it for an ever greater development of the whole Body … a Body constituted not by some mass of members, but which must be furnished with organs, namely with members who do not all have the same task, but are duly coordinated; thus the Church, because of this, must be called especially Body, because she is the result of a correct disposition and coherent union of members who are different among themselves,” Cf. “Mystici Corporis Christi, quod est Ecclesia”: AAS 35 (1943), 193-248.

2 Cf. Letter to the Romans 12:5: “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

3 Lumen Gentium, 7.

4To remember that “the comparison of the Church with the body casts light on the intimate bond between Christ and his Church. Not only is she gathered around him, she is united in him, in his body; Three aspects of the Church as the Body of Christ are to be more specifically noted: the unity of all her members with each other as a result of their union with Christ; Christ as head of the Body; and the Church as bride of Christ.” Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 789 and 795.

5 Cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 130-131.

6 Many times Jesus made known the union that the faithful must have with Him: “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:4-5).

7 Cf. Pastor Bonus, Art. 1 and CIC can. 360.

8 Cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 197-201.

9 Benedict XVI, General Audience, June 1, 2005.

10 Francis, Homily of the Holy Mass in Turkey, November 30, 2014.

11 Cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 95-96.

12 Ibid., 84-86.

13Ibid., 2.

14 Lord, give me a good digestion and also something to digest. Give me health of body and the good humor necessary to maintain it. Give me, Lord, a simple soul that is able to make a treasure of all that is good and is not astonished in view of evil but rather always finds the way to put things back in place. Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumbling, sighs, laments, and do not permit me to trouble myself with that very cumbersome thing called “I.” Give me, Lord a sense of good humor. Grant me the grace to understand a joke to discover in life a bit of joy and make others part of it. Amen.

15 Evangelii Gaudium, 88.

16 Referring to the situation of the Church, Blessed Paul VI affirmed that he had the sensation that “from some fissure the smoke of Satan had entered the temple of God,” Homily of Paul VI, Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Thursday, June 29, 1972. Cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 98-101.

17 Cf. Evangelii Gaudium: No to spiritual worldliness, N. 93-97.

18 ”The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. He gives life, arouses the different charisms that enrich the People of God and, above all, creates unity between believers: of many He makes one body, the Body of Christ … The Holy Spirit makes the unity of the Church: unity in faith, unity in charity, unity in interior cohesion.” (Francis, Homily of the Holy Mass in Turkey, November 30, 2014).

19 August. Serm., CXXXVII, 1; Migne, P.L. XXXVIII, 75$.

Cf. Evangelii Gaudium, Pastorale in conversione, n. 25-33.

[Original text: Italian]

[Translation by ZENIT]
 
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I find myself guilty on 4th (slightly though) and definitely on 13th - I really want MORE MORE & MORE of going to the Camino(s)
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ARE YOU GUILTY OF ANY OF THE POPE'S '15 AILMENTS OF THE CURIA'?
During today's Christmas speech Pope Francis read out 15 sins that he believed the Curia was guilty of complete with footnotes and Biblical references. These included:
1) Feeling immortal, immune or indispensable. 'A Curia that doesn't criticize itself, that doesn't update itself, that doesn't seek to improve itself is a sick body.'
2) Working too hard. 'Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.'
3) Becoming spiritually and mentally hardened. 'It's dangerous to lose that human sensibility that lets you cry with those who are crying, and celebrate those who are joyful.'
4) Planning too much. 'Preparing things well is necessary, but don't fall into the temptation of trying to close or direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is bigger and more generous than any human plan.'
5) Working without coordination, like an orchestra that produces noise. 'When the foot tells the hand, 'I don't need you' or the hand tells the head 'I'm in charge.''
6) Having 'spiritual Alzheimer's.' 'We see it in the people who have forgotten their encounter with the Lord ... in those who depend completely on their here and now, on their passions, whims and manias, in those who build walls around themselves and become enslaved to the idols that they have built with their own hands.'
7) Being rivals or boastful. 'When one's appearance, the color of one's vestments or honorific titles become the primary objective of life.'
8) Suffering from 'existential schizophrenia.' 'It's the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy that is typical of mediocre and progressive spiritual emptiness that academic degrees cannot fill. It's a sickness that often affects those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic work, losing contact with reality and concrete people.'
9) Committing the 'terrorism of gossip.' 'It's the sickness of cowardly people who, not having the courage to speak directly, talk behind people's backs.'
10) Glorifying one's bosses. 'It's the sickness of those who court their superiors, hoping for their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, they honor people who aren't God.'
11) Being indifferent to others. 'When, out of jealousy or cunning, one finds joy in seeing another fall rather than helping him up and encouraging him.'
12) Having a 'funereal face.' 'In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity. The apostle must be polite, serene, enthusiastic and happy and transmit joy wherever he goes.'
13) Wanting more. 'When the apostle tries to fill an existential emptiness in his heart by accumulating material goods, not because he needs them but because he'll feel more secure.'
14) Forming 'closed circles' that seek to be stronger than the whole. 'This sickness always starts with good intentions but as time goes by, it enslaves its members by becoming a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much bad — scandals — especially to our younger brothers.'
15) Seeking worldly profit and showing off. 'It's the sickness of those who insatiably try to multiply their powers and to do so are capable of calumny, defamation and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally to show themselves as being more capable than others.

(Daily Mail Australia)
Truer, more thoughtful and useful guidelines for walking the Camino have never been spoken. Thank you for sharing, and Merry Christmas to all.
 
ARE YOU GUILTY OF ANY OF THE POPE'S '15 AILMENTS OF THE CURIA'?
During today's Christmas speech Pope Francis read out 15 sins that he believed the Curia was guilty of complete with footnotes and Biblical references. These included:

Actually, this whole story has been misreported by the media. (Once again...Is anyone surprised?) What Francis did was lead the Curia into an conscience exam in preparation for the season of Christmas (For the Catholic Church we are in season of advent, a penitential season in which we are called to reflect in our sins and short comings. The Christmas season starts on Dec 25 and lasts until Jan 6 (Or Jan 12 depending on your preference) a time of joy and celebration). As a Jesuit conscience exams are second nature to Francis (Because of the Jesuit practice of "The Exam") Francis never accused anyone of these 15 sins, but encouraged the curia (as well as the whole church) to reflect on these very dangerous/sinful practices, anyone in a position of authority in the Church can fall into.
The media reporting Francis of accusing the curia of these betrays a bit of "projection" as in "It is not Francis who is saying this but what we would say to the Catholic Church if we were speaking".

"Viva Cristo Rey!!"
Deacon Harbey Santiago
 
(aside note: the Daily Mail text/translation is rather poorly done and not even complete. if i find a good and complete translation, will post it here.)

I've been looking for a good translation in English to use for a blog article but had failed so far. I Used Google translate to read the original which was quite revealing (Not what the media was reporting). Sadly I do not have time to tranlate the whole thing in Google and post so the blog article will have to be added to the pile of "Other things I would do if I had time".

"Viva Cristo Rey!!"
Deacon Harbey Santiago
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Well, Vatican radio seems to interpret it as it is reported in the media, that is directed toward the Curia (ie “Sometimes,” said Pope Francis, “[Officials of the Curia] feel themselves ‘lords of the manor’ [It. padroni] – superior to everyone and everything,”.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the heads and other senior officials of the departments of the Roman Curia on Monday, in their traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. In remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered Monday morning, the Holy Father focused on the need for those who serve in the curia – especially those in positions of power and authority – to remember and cultivate an attitude and a spirit of service.
“Sometimes,” said Pope Francis, “[Officials of the Curia] feel themselves ‘lords of the manor’ [It. padroni] – superior to everyone and everything,” forgetting that the spirit, which should animate them in their lives of service to the universal Church, is one of humility and generosity, especially in view of the fact that none of us will live forever on this earth.
“It is good to think of the Roman Curia as a small model of the Church, that is, a body that seeks, seriously and on a daily basis, to be more alive, healthier, more harmonious and more united in itself and with Christ”.
“The Curia is always required to better itself and to grow in communion, sanctity and wisdom to fully accomplish its mission. However, like any body, it is exposed to sickness, malfunction and infirmity. … I would like to mention some of these illnesses that we encounter most frequently in our life in the Curia. They are illnesses and temptations that weaken our service to the Lord”, continued the Pontiff, who after inviting all those present to an examination of conscience to prepare themselves for Christmas, listed the most common Curial ailments:
The first is “the sickness of considering oneself 'immortal', 'immune' or 'indispensable', neglecting the necessary and habitual controls. A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body. … It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity, and of those who transform themselves into masters and believe themselves superior to others, rather than at their service”.
The second is “'Martha-ism', or excessive industriousness; the sickness of those who immerse themselves in work, inevitably neglecting 'the better part' of sitting at Jesus' feet. Therefore, Jesus required his disciples to rest a little, as neglecting the necessary rest leads to stress and agitation. Rest, once one who has brought his or her mission to a close, is a necessary duty and must be taken seriously: in spending a little time with relatives and respecting the holidays as a time for spiritual and physical replenishment, it is necessary to learn the teaching of Ecclesiastes, that 'there is a time for everything'”.
Then there is “the sickness of mental and spiritual hardening: that of those who, along the way, lose their inner serenity, vivacity and boldness and conceal themselves behind paper, becoming working machines rather than men of God. … It is dangerous to lose the human sensibility necessary to be able to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice! It is the sickness of those who lose those sentiments that were present in Jesus Christ”.
“The ailment of excessive planning and functionalism: this is when the apostle plans everything in detail and believes that, by perfect planning things effectively progress, thus becoming a sort of accountant. … One falls prey to this sickness because it is easier and more convenient to settle into static and unchanging positions. Indeed, the Church shows herself to be faithful to the Holy Spirit to the extent that she does not seek to regulate or domesticate it. The Spirit is freshness, imagination and innovation”.
The “sickness of poor coordination develops when the communion between members is lost, and the body loses its harmonious functionality and its temperance, becoming an orchestra of cacophony because the members do not collaborate and do not work with a spirit of communion or as a team”.
“Spiritual Alzheimer's disease, or rather forgetfulness of the history of Salvation, of the personal history with the Lord, of the 'first love': this is a progressive decline of spiritual faculties, that over a period of time causes serious handicaps, making one incapable of carrying out certain activities autonomously, living in a state of absolute dependence on one's own often imaginary views. We see this is those who have lost their recollection of their encounter with the Lord … in those who build walls around themselves and who increasingly transform into slaves to the idols they have sculpted with their own hands”.
“The ailment of rivalry and vainglory: when appearances, the colour of one's robes, insignia and honours become the most important aim in life. … It is the disorder that leads us to become false men and women, living a false 'mysticism' and a false 'quietism'”.
Then there is “existential schizophrenia: the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of the hypocrisy typical of the mediocre and the progressive spiritual emptiness that cannot be filled by degrees or academic honours. This ailment particularly afflicts those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic matters, thus losing contact with reality and with real people. They create a parallel world of their own, where they set aside everything they teach with severity to others and live a hidden, often dissolute life”.
The sickness of “chatter, grumbling and gossip: this is a serious illness that begins simply, often just in the form of having a chat, and takes people over, turning them into sowers of discord, like Satan, and in many cases cold-blooded murderers of the reputations of their colleagues and brethren. It is the sickness of the cowardly who, not having the courage to speak directly to the people involved, instead speak behind their backs”.
“The sickness of deifying leaders is typical of those who court their superiors, with the hope of receiving their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, honouring people rather than God. They are people who experience service thinking only of what they might obtain and not of what they should give. They are mean, unhappy and inspired only by their fatal selfishness”.
“The disease of indifference towards others arises when each person thinks only of himself, and loses the sincerity and warmth of personal relationships. When the most expert does not put his knowledge to the service of less expert colleagues; when out of jealousy … one experiences joy in seeing another person instead of lifting him up or encouraging him”.
“The illness of the funereal face: or rather, that of the gruff and the grim, those who believe that in order to be serious it is necessary to paint their faces with melancholy and severity, and to treat others – especially those they consider inferior – with rigidity, hardness and arrogance. In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity”.
“The disease of accumulation: when the apostle seeks to fill an existential emptiness of the heart by accumulating material goods, not out of necessity but simply to feel secure. … Accumulation only burdens and inexorably slows down our progress”.
“The ailment of closed circles: when belonging to a group becomes stronger than belonging to the Body and, in some situations, to Christ Himself. This sickness too may start from good intentions but, as time passes, enslaves members and becomes a 'cancer' that threatens the harmony of the Body and causes a great deal of harm – scandals – especially to our littlest brothers”.
Then, there is the “disease of worldly profit and exhibitionism: when the apostle transforms his service into power, and his power into goods to obtain worldly profits or more power. This is the disease of those who seek insatiably to multiply their power and are therefore capable of slandering, defaming and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally in order to brag and to show they are more capable than others”.
After listing these ailments, Pope Francis continued, “We are therefore required, at this Christmas time and in all the time of our service and our existence – to live 'speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love'”.
“I once read that priests are like aeroplanes: they only make the news when they crash, but there are many that fly. Many criticise them and few pray for them”, he concluded. “It is a very nice phrase, but also very true, as it expresses the importance and the delicacy of our priestly service, and how much harm just one priest who falls may cause to the whole body of the Church”.
Buen Camino
Colin
 
Seems Fr. John Zuhlsdorf of the Diocese of Velletri-Segni (near Rome) had no problem with the AP translation (See his last comment bottom of post) I think it might be a bit more than an exercise in Spiritual examination.

Pope Francis greets Curia for Christmas, and rips them to shreds.

Each year it is customary for the Roman Pontiff to meet and greet members of the Roman Curia just before Christmas. The Pope gives an address. Often that address is a kind of “State of the Union”, describing things that occurred and prospect for the future. In 2005 Benedict XVI famously used the occasion to deliver one of the most important addresses of many modern pontificates. He spoke of the proper interpretive principles to apply to the Second Vatican Council.
Today Pope Francis also addressed the Curia. I just finished watching the video. It seemed to me, frankly, to be more like a Lenten retreat delivered to Jesuit novices than a Christmas greeting to seasoned churchman, his closest collaborators in his Petrine Ministry.
Francis went through a long list of sins during his prolonged examination of their consciences for them.
The list of the Curia’s spiritual sins? Here they are, as compressed by AP:
Pope Francis listed 15 “ailments” of the Vatican Curia during his annual Christmas greetings to the cardinals, bishops, and priests who run the central administration of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church. Here’s the list.

1) Feeling immortal, immune or indispensable. “A Curia that doesn’t criticize itself, that doesn’t update itself, that doesn’t seek to improve itself is a sick body.”
2) Working too hard. “Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.”
3) Becoming spiritually and mentally hardened. “It’s dangerous to lose that human sensibility that lets you cry with those who are crying, and celebrate those who are joyful.”
4) Planning too much. “Preparing things well is necessary, but don’t fall into the temptation of trying to close or direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is bigger and more generous than any human plan.”
5) Working without coordination, like an orchestra that produces noise. “When the foot tells the hand, ‘I don’t need you’ or the hand tells the head, ‘I’m in charge.’”
6) Having ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s.’ “We see it in the people who have forgotten their encounter with the Lord … in those who depend completely on their here and now, on their passions, whims and manias, in those who build walls around themselves and become enslaved to the idols that they have built with their own hands.”
7) Being rivals or boastful. “When one’s appearance, the color of one’s vestments or honorific titles become the primary objective of life.”
8) Suffering from ‘existential schizophrenia.’ “It’s the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy that is typical of mediocre and progressive spiritual emptiness that academic degrees cannot fill. It’s a sickness that often affects those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic work, losing contact with reality and concrete people.”
9) Committing the ‘terrorism of gossip.’ “It’s the sickness of cowardly people who, not having the courage to speak directly, talk behind people’s backs.”
10) Glorifying one’s bosses. “It’s the sickness of those who court their superiors, hoping for their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, they honor people who aren’t God.”
11) Being indifferent to others. “When, out of jealousy or cunning, one finds joy in seeing another fall rather than helping him up and encouraging him.”
12) Having a ‘funereal face.’ “In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity. The apostle must be polite, serene, enthusiastic and happy and transmit joy wherever he goes.”
13) Wanting more. “When the apostle tries to fill an existential emptiness in his heart by accumulating material goods, not because he needs them but because he’ll feel more secure.”
14) Forming ‘closed circles’ that seek to be stronger than the whole. “This sickness always starts with good intentions but as time goes by, it enslaves its members by becoming a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much bad — scandals — especially to our younger brothers.”
15) Seeking worldly profit and showing off. “It’s the sickness of those who insatiably try to multiply their powers and to do so are capable of calumny, defamation and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally to show themselves as being more capable than others.”

Sort of, “Merry Christmas, you vain, hypocritical, funeral faces!”
 
@colinPeter
Haven't really gave a thorough read through it yet, but I do some video programes for Religious Broadcast Editorial on National TV and that was almost exactly as it was interpreted here in Slovenia.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Well, Vatican radio seems to interpret it as it is reported in the media, that is directed toward the Curia (ie “Sometimes,” said Pope Francis, “[Officials of the Curia] feel themselves ‘lords of the manor’ [It. padroni] – superior to everyone and everything,”.

With all due respect to your sources (Even if they are a branch of the Vatican) This is not what Francis said. Here is a translation of what he said (Which by the way it is the only time Francis names the Curia in his 15 reflection points).


1. The disease of being "immortal", "immune" or even "indispensable" neglecting the necessary and normal controls. A Curia which is not self-critical, that you do not update, which does not seek to improve is a sick body. An ordinary visit cemeteries could help us to see the names of so many people, some of whom probably thought they were immortal, immune and indispensable! It is the disease of the rich fool who thought of the Gospel of eternal life (cf. Lk 12: 13-21), and also of those who become masters and feel superior to everyone and not at the service of all. It often stems from the pathology of power, the "complex of the Chosen", the narcissism that looks passionately its image and does not see the image of God stamped on the face of others, especially the weakest and needy. The antidote to this epidemic is the grace to feel sinners and say with all my heart: 'We are unprofitable servants. We did what we had to do "(Lk 17, 10).

Is Francis accusing anyone of feeling "masters and superior"? It seems to me he is not. In the context of an examination of conscience (The self criticism Francis mentions) he is warning them that it is very easy acquire this "disease".
I think the Vat Radio did a disservice to the message of Francis. I think the point they should have made is that we should all, anyone involved in the administration of the Church shoul periodicaly go down this list, to make sure we are not falling for these.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

"Viva Cristo Rey!!"
DHS
 
I cannot find anything in the fifteen that is inherently bad; it is excess that makes the activity unhealthy. Who is against hard work? No one. Who is against too much hard work? Everyone. Ditto self-esteem and hubris; a circle of friends and a clique.

All things in moderation! :)
 
Hey, you out there! Yes you! Listen up and read on...

Does it really matter who the Pontiff was addressing directly, the Curia (who iMHO deserved it) or humanity writ large. IMHO, it does not matter. As human beings, of any faith orientation, or none at all, we certainly can ALL be guilty of this list of excesses or character flaws, if you will. I know I am on occasion guilty of several of these things, regardless of your translation source.

As a pilgrim, I try to be extra "observant" especially when actually on Camino. I have two reasons for this.
  1. As an American, I accept that when I am in any other country, I am a de facto ambassador for my country at large. Clearly, nothing I say or do is of national importance. However, how I treat others and behave in general when a pilgrim guest in any country will reflect on me personally, and my fellow countrymen and women. My country will be perceived better or worse based on my actions and general behavior. This attitude has stood me very well in 40 years of international travel all over the world, professionally and for personal or leisure travel.
  2. As a pilgrim, I seek to spread the message of conducting oneself in a polite, cooperative, dignified, generous, and respectful manner to all persons. IMHO behaviors which are contrary to the Camino spirit have no place on Camino. Like the rest of your life, please leave all this "baggage" at home when you come to pilgrimage.
If you are a person of faith or religion, as I am personally, the flaws in the Pontiff's list can be characterized as "sins." Those persons of faith generally consider that these behaviors when committed against other persons, are also an offense against our God. Alternatively, they can certainly be seen as "anti-Golden Rule" type admonitions for all of us to simply aspire to being better people, regardless of faith orientation or absence of a specific orientation.

The basis of most if not all Judeo-Christian moral and behavior teaching is contained in the Ten Commandments. Coincidentally, this is also the basis for most legal codes and systems in western civilization. Also, the entirety of that list of proscriptions is contained in the old saw that is called "The Golden Rule."

To wit, simply treat, think of, respect, speak of, etc. other persons the way you would wish to be treated, spoken of, regarded or thought of. Reciprocity is a very elegant and simple way of expressing the core teaching basic morality and conduct appreciation.

Also, and someone please correct me if I misspeak here, Buddhism (a doctrine of ethical and moral teachings that pre-dates Christianity) similarly, contains the admonition to treat others the way you would have them treat you, with respect and dignity at all times.

I hope this helps. If you are concerned about the chubby guy in the sleigh with the eight reindeer, time is growing short to get or stay on the "nice list."

In addition, check this out: http://www.noradsanta.org/. The North American Air Defense Command is a joint US / Canadian defense command located in Colorado. They have been doing this Santa Tracking Mission for 59 years, since I was like two years old. The technology has changed. But the message remains the same, especially for young children..."Now go to bed, or Santa will NOT come..." It is very cool, especially if you can port it to a large screen TV. Use it wisely my friends... HO, HO, HO!

Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year to all!
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I cannot find anything in the fifteen that is inherently bad; it is excess that makes the activity unhealthy. Who is against hard work? No one. Who is against too much hard work? Everyone. Ditto self-esteem and hubris; a circle of friends and a clique.

All things in moderation! :)

ola...
not sure if i manage to phrase it in a simple way, but this is exactly the point I attempted to make earlier when I stated that the AssocPress translation is poorly done and incomplete:
2) Working too hard. 'Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.'

the Pope, in the original speech/text, never said that.

here is what was said:
2. Un’altra: La malattia del "martalismo" (che viene da Marta), dell’eccessiva operosità: ossia di coloro che si immergono nel lavoro, trascurando, inevitabilmente, "la parte migliore": il sedersi sotto i piedi di Gesù (cfr Lc 10,38-42). Per questo Gesù ha chiamato i suoi discepoli a "riposarsi un po'" (cfr Mc 6,31) perché trascurare il necessario riposo porta allo stress e all’agitazione. Il tempo del riposo, per chi ha portato a termine la propria missione, è necessario, doveroso e va vissuto seriamente: nel trascorrere un po’ di tempo con i famigliari e nel rispettare le ferie come momenti di ricarica spirituale e fisica; occorre imparare ciò che insegna il Qoèlet che «c’è un tempo per ogni cosa» (3,1-15).

It speaks of the illness of "Martalismo" - (which i suppose stems from the story of Mary and Marta in which Marta busies herself w/ lots of activities and 'feeling important' versus that what Mary is/did. To 'do the one thing needful') - to rest at the feet of Jesus. - And also to 'rest oneself a bit' after one has brought to completion ones mission/task, is necessary -- And about the importance of rest to 'recharge' oneself spiritually and physicallly...and also refers to the saying that 'there is time of each thing'. -

that translation by AP distorts and omits. it, at best, perhaps supplies bullet points of the speech...but even those are wrong (as in: "Working too hard."). Even the Reader's Digest magazine (don't know if it still exists) used to do a much better job than that AP so called translation. (btw: in italian, the word for a translator and a traitor is veryyyy similar...i suppose because it was realized/ known just how easily in translation one can betray the original text.)

and on another note: quite agree ... all in moderation!

and i still hope a proper translation will emerge about this speech ... it's applicable across the board ... including boardrooms, command staff 'incident rooms' etc ...
Saluti e buon natale!
 
If you are a person of faith or religion, as I am personally, the flaws in the Pontiff's list can be characterized as "sins."
Please note: The word sin "peccato' was not used in the entire speech. Not even once.
The points he made were not characterized as sins, but as 'illnesses' , (malfunctions, weaknesses) - and also stated that as an illness/weakness, they are curable, - "E qui vorrei menzionare alcune di queste probabili malattie, malattie curiali."
 
Happy & Blessed Christmas to all.

You are not 'lords of the manor': Pope Francis' tough words to curia - Catholic News Agency

Buen Camino
colinPeter
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Maybe (just maybe) Pope Francis was suggesting that the Curia should follow the teachings of Christ - carry no pack, spare tunic and go out into the world and preach the message of God. Hopefully we will see 50 or more cardinals at SJPP next May setting off for SDC. (Well we can only hope!!):);)o_O
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Yes, had a read, thanks for posting the link :)
 
As a Catholic I love Pope Francis. I believe that self examination Curia was long, long over due. Thanks for posting.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

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