02/15/2018, 11.29
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Pope encourages young priests to seek guidance in older priests

The ages in the priesthood, with their peculiar characteristics, risks and potentialities were the subject of which Pope Francis spoke today to the clergy of Rome gathered in the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the traditional meeting of the beginning of Lent.

Rome (AsiaNews) - Priests should seek guidance when they are young or in middle age and be willing ready to act as guides when they are older. The ages in the priesthood, with their peculiar characteristics, risks and potentialities were the subject of Pope Francis’ meeting today with the clergy of Rome gathered in the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the traditional meeting of the beginning of Lent.

Addressing the younger priests, the Pope asked them not to follow particular priestly style, as if it were an identity card or a personal imprint, because every priesthood is unique. He urged them to create their own style in carrying out the priestly ministry, taking their own limitations and those of others as well as the need for "dialogue" into account. He then asked the young priests to find themselves a guide, a wise man, because all things ecclesial they need to be witnessed. Moreover, the priest is a celibate man, but he cannot live alone, he needs a guide to help him discern in this time of fruitfulness.

For middle aged priests, between the ages of forty and fifty, Francis has said that this is the age in which he is like a husband for whom youthful falling in love and emotion have passed with time. So it is in his relationship with God. In this period it is even more necessary to have a guide for discernment and a lot of prayer, because it is dangerous to continue on alone. It is the moment when spiritual children grow and in which fertility begins to diminish. It is also the time of temptations one can even be ashamed of, but, the Pope warned, it is the devil who must be ashamed to instill them. The important thing is not to give up. Also, the period of farewells begins for which it is good to start learning how to say goodbye.

Finally, priests who are over fifty years old are in the time of the wisdom in which they are called to offer their amiability and availability, even with a smile. The faithful who approach an old confessor do not feel intimidated, they see a welcoming man in him. Elderly priests can still do much, especially with the pastoral care of the ears, that is, listening, being close to those in pain, showing compassion. This is the time for unconditional forgiveness, said the Pope, who invited elderly priests to dialogue with young people and to help them find the roots that today's new generations need.

At about 10.30 am, in the Lateran Basilica, while the penitential liturgy under the guidance of the Vicar Angelo De Donatis was under way, the Pope confessed for more than an hour. At the end of his meditation, before the final blessing, a volume entitled Dear Brothers in the Priesthood was given to all those present ... Texts from the Roman bishops to the Roman clergy for the Office of Lenten holiday readings.

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