Recalling a passage from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Pope invited the seminarians to reflect on God’s purpose in placing them in this place. Taking as reference the words of Jesus to his disciples, he stated: “Jesus wants me on this empty earth to fill it with God, that is, to make him present among my brothers, to build community, build Church, people.” .
The Holy Father also emphasized the importance of charity towards others as a fundamental basis for carrying out this mission, as well as absolute willingness to be sent by the Lord, even recognizing one’s own limitations. He highlighted: “Without charity towards God and brothers, without walking ‘two by two’ – as the evangelist continues to say – we cannot bring God.”
Pope Francis also urged seminarians to trust in divine providence and to strip away “false human securities,” to allow the void in their hearts to be filled by “welcoming God and brother.”