Pope Francis Talks to the Seminarians and Student Priests in Rome
Pope Francis Talks to the Seminarians and Student Priests in Rome
By Sem. Simon Mboriidie
On Saturday, 21st January 2023, five seminarians and four priests from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio were amongthe Papal audience at the Apostolic Vatican Palace in Rome in an International conference organized mainly for the seminarians of the College of Urbano and for the student priests who study at the Pontifical University of Urbaniana.
In his Papal address, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, stressed some significant spiritual need for the seminarians and priests of these two ecclesiastical institutions of the Holy See to strip off their masks and be like Jesus. Going out of oneself to meet others and open up to dialogue, the world and the church need witnesses of dialogue and peace, men and women who bear witness to it.
“I urge you to put yourself in the school of the martyrs who, even in your countries, have traveled this road to be peacemakers, do not be afraid to go all the way too.” The Pontiff said. The Holy Father went further to say: “Jesus gave us a perfect example: the credibility recognized by the people who met him came from the harmony in him; his presence among the people was total peace and harmony, love and forgiveness. You need to follow the example of Christ and be the instrument of peace, harmony, love, and unity among the people in the society; this is what you are called for.” Pope Francis encouraged the seminarians and priests not to be afraid to show their color, especially to their educators. This is important because if they do not receive a good formation, they may return to their dioceses and countries with a mark of division and conflict. They may also fail to be faithful witnesses of the joy of the gospel preached by Jesus.
The vicar of Christ, his holiness Pope Francis emphasized the spirit of missionary disciples, being close to God always and to others. His highlights to the students, priests, and Seminarians studying in Rome were mainly for them to be part of the diverse communities where they are living with many cultures, languages, and sensitivity is a great gift from which one can be enriched by opening up to others and the world, living without fear the challenge of fraternity, too when it requires hard work and Sacrifices because the current world and also the church need the witnesses of fraternity.
The Holy Father urged the student priests and seminarians to introduce themselves to others without a screen so that people may know who they are, their limits, and their contradictions.” Priests and seminarians must overcome their fear of being judged because we do not correspond to our ideal model, which only exists in our minds.” They need to cultivate sincerity and humility, which gives an honest look at the inner fragility and poverty of the heart.
Finally, the Pope said. “Remember that today, there are credible ministers and future ministers of God not because of the beautiful cassock critical dress you wear or outward attitudes but
rather because of style, simplicity and sincerity of heart, and transparency.” The Holy Father said in his concluding remarks.
Finally, the Pope said, “Remember that today, there are credible ministers and future ministers of God not because of the beautiful cassock critical dress you wear or outward attitudes but
rather because of style, simplicity, sincerity of heart, and transparency.” The Holy Father said in his concluding remarks.
CDTY Priests and Seminarians who attended the meeting from Left to Right
1. Wenengbi Moses Mario — Seminarian
2. Godwill Tambua Thomas — Seminarian
3. Simon Mboriidie Joseph — Seminarian
4. Hume George Zino — Priest
5. Emmanuel Usumo Peter — Seminarian
6. Bagare Mathew Tanga — Priest
7. Tito Fuokpio John — Seminarian
