Message from Pope Francis on the IV Centenary of the discovery of the relics of Saint Rosalía

Pope Francis has written a message on the occasion of the 4th centenary of the discovery of the relics of Saint Rosalia, protector against infectious diseases and plagues, faithful intercessor in difficult times.

According to tradition, it was through the intercession of Rosalía that the plague that devastated Sicily in 1624 was reduced to disappearance, the year in which her remains were found.

Pope Urban VIII, pontiff between 1623 and 1644, recognized the authenticity of the relics and ordered that Sicily commemorate its saint every July 15, while the rest of the universal Church would do so on September 4, the day on which it is remembered. both the discovery and the transfer of the relics.

Below is the full message from Pope Francis:

The happy occasion of the 4th centenary of the discovery of the body of Saint Rosalia is a special occasion to spiritually unite myself with you, dear sons and daughters of the Church of Palermo, who wish to raise to the heavenly Father, source of all grace, our praise for the gift of such a sublime figure of a woman and “apostle”, who did not hesitate to accept the trials of loneliness for love of her Lord. My thoughts go to you, dear Brother Corrado, and to the civil and military authorities, as I also greet with affection the priests, the religious men and women, the members of the numerous Brotherhoods, the lay movements and all those who in During the course of this Jubilee Year they have united in prayer, learning from Saint Rosalia the passion for the poor and fidelity to the Good News.

“For love Domini mei“, is the reason that Saint Rosalía gives for giving up her existence and abandoning the riches of the world. The life of the Christian, both in the time in which our hermit Virgin lived and in our days, is constantly marked by the cross; Christians are those who always love, but often in circumstances where love is not understood or is even rejected.

Even today, it continues to be an option against the current, because those who follow Christ are called to make their own the logic of the Gospel which is hope, who decides to make room in their hearts for love to give it to others, sacrifice it for their brother, share it with those who have not experienced it because of the “plagues” that afflict humanity.

You, faithful and devoted to the “Santuzza”, as you filially address yourself to it, are the spiritual heirs who must translate its testimony of faith and charity towards your neighbor into an evangelical lifestyle. Like her, you give a beautiful face to your territory, rich in culture, history and deep faith, where great women and men have found the strength to spend themselves for the Gospel and social justice. At the school of Santa Rosalía, renouncing the superfluous, do not hesitate to offer yourselves generously to others.

Have strength of spirit to face the challenges that still prevent the rebirth of this City, whose path is burdened by so many problems, some of them very painful. Look boldly at Him who is Mercy, in whose eyes the sufferings of His people are not invisible, for “even the hairs of your head are numbered” (Mt 10:30); He knows our pains and is willing to pour out the balm of comfort that heals and gives renewed impetus.

With Rosalía, woman of hope, I urge you: Church of Palermo, arise! Be a beacon of new hope, be a living Community that, regenerated by the blood of the Martyrs, bears true and luminous testimony of Christ our Savior. People of God in this blessed strip of land, do not lose hope and do not allow yourself to be overcome by discouragement. Rediscover the joy of amazement before the caress of a Father who calls you to himself and leads you along the paths of life to savor the fruits of concord and peace.

I hope that this Rosalian Jubilee Year, which is coming to an end, has favored above all a spiritual rebirth, as part of the path undertaken by your ecclesial Community; For this reason, I invite you to listen docilely to the Holy Spirit, so that you carry out an abundant pastoral season, ready to spread the fragrance of welcome and mercy.

Entrust to your Holy Patroness the desires and aspirations that you carry in your heart; Ask her, woman of praying silence, to dispel fears and overcome the resignations that drown the roots of good, so that you may be bold disciples of the Master and builders of hope.

With these sentiments, as I invoke the intercession of the Saints who crown the Sicilian Church, I commend you to the protection of the Virgin Mary, and I willingly impart to you my Blessing, trusting in your prayer for me.