His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali Delivers Keynote Address
- Published 18th August, 2008
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Eucharistic Spirituality Will Further Serrans' Work
Printable text of Justin Cardinal Rigali Keynote (PDF)
(16 August 2008) A strong Eucharistic spirituality is essential in furthering the work of Serra International in promoting vocations to the priesthood, His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali told Serrans at their international convention on 15 August.
His Eminence, who is completing his third three-year term as Serra's Episcopal Adviser, pointed out the importance of unity in the work of Serrans worldwide. He said that the remarkable growth of Serra International since its founding in 1935 “is a testament to prayer, sacrifice, and love for the Church by countless dedicated men and women working together as a community of one heart and mind to build up the Church through the promotion of vocations.”
Hundreds of Serrans from all around the world heard the cardinal speak as they gathered in the resort town of Águas de Lindóia , near Sao Paolo , Brazil for their annual meeting.
Reflecting on the theme, “Vocation: the Dream of God,” His Eminence said that while we can speculate on whether God has dreams, we know that He has a vision, or a plan for the world, the Church, our lives, and vocations. The Cardinal reflected on the common priesthood on the one hand, and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood on the other. He recalled Serra's primary purpose to “foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church as a particular vocation to service, and to support priests in their sacred ministry.”
The Cardinal reflected on the nature of the “work” of Serra, and said that “the primary, and necessary ‘work' of Serrans is to pray for vocations.” And for our prayer to be fruitful, an attitude of trust in Divine Providence is needed. He then explained that the Eucharist empowers us to pray and work for vocations in the Church. An essential aspect of Eucharistic spirituality is that the Eucharist is a “source and model of charity and communion in our relations with one another, and in carrying out our apostolic work.”
His Eminence spoke at length on the need for Serrans' unity, referring to Pope John Paul II, whom the Cardinal said promoted “a strong Eucharistic sprirituality as the antidote to an individualism that creates disharmony in the community.”
The Cardinal said, “It will be through your devotion to the Eucharist , and your commitment to prayer which is constant, unwavering and full of trust that you will overcome any obstacles to the growth of an ever greater ecclesial community of one heart and mind for the good of the Church.”