The Teresian Association joins all the People of God and all people of good will in expressing our gratitude for the life and ministry of Pope Francis, at this time when we mourn his passing.
The President of the Association, Gregoria Ruiz, who is currently in Kinshasa, has sent a letter of condolence to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, expressing gratitude for the twelve years of his Pontificate and the immense legacy that Pope Francis leaves us.
The TA joins the whole Church in prayer and asks the Spirit to continue to guide her in her mission to be a credible witness to God's mercy and a beacon of hope in the world.
Pope Francis, in his four encyclicals, exhortations, numerous homilies and catechesis, has addressed core issues of the faith and life of believers today. His words and actions have touched us, because he has known how to stand alongside humanity, vulnerable, poor and limited … and he has conveyed to us that in the Church there is room for “all, all, all.”
After his twelve years as Pope, Francis leaves us an outgoing Church, pointed toward openness and hope. A Church community that is not without tensions, but that knows it is the bearer of a message of peace, which must pave the way for understanding among peoples through a culture of encounter.
We appreciate the Pope's commitment to opening up unprecedented positions of responsibility in Church governance to the laity, and for listening attentively to young people, women, and groups previously regarded as on the edges of the Church.
We vividly remember the message he left us in June 2024 at the meeting with associations of the faithful held in Rome: his call to spiritual conversion to build a synodal Church, his invitation to think according to God, to overcome all closed-mindedness, and to cultivate humility.
And we once again welcome the words he addressed to us in 2023 on learning that the TA was holding its 19th General Assembly:
“May the example of Saint Pedro Poveda and of so many teachers from 'next door,' who with their selfless dedication proclaimed Jesus Christ in various fields of education and culture, inspire you to continue working tirelessly, as lay people of an outgoing Church, open to dialogue with all and especially sensitive to the most vulnerable members of society.”
The Pope concluded by asking the TA: “Do not forget to pray for me,” and today we pray for Pope Francis in thanksgiving, and in the certainty that he has found the Father's embrace.
TA Info.
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