Pope Francis met on April 29 with the participants in the general chapters of two congregations: the Brothers of Saint Gabriel and the Canossian Sons of Love.
The Pope said that “providence” has given the Brothers of St. Gabriel “a rich international diversity.” He asked them to ‘share that diversity among themselves and with everyone’.
‘This is an important message, especially in our world, which is often divided by selfishness and particularism: diversity is a gift to be shared, diversity is a precious gift! Be prophets of this with your lives.”
‘Uniformity in a religious institution, in a diocese, in a lay group, is fatal! Diversity in harmony makes you grow.’
For ‘the one who brings harmony to diversity is the Holy Spirit, who is the master of harmony’.
The Canossian Sons of Charity shared with Pope Francis the theme of their missionary work: “He who does not burn cannot kindle a fire.” The Pope encouraged them to remain fervent.
“It saddens me when I see religious brothers and sisters who are more like firefighters than like fiery men and women lighting a fire. Please don’t become firefighters! We already have enough of that.’
Source: Read Pope Francis’ entire speech (English)
Tags: Uniformity Church deadly Pope warns
