of Successor of Peter and Bishop of Rome.
The Holy Father’s spirituality is many-faceted. It is at heart Ignatian,
owing to his years of formation and leadership in the Society of Jesus.
He values discernment and collaboration in seeking the will of God.
His worldview is one of engagement and mutuality, reflecting a
willingness to listen to and learn from others, even from those who
might think differently than he does or who do not identify themselves
as believers. As shepherd and teacher of the universal church, Francis
has fearlessly called us to go to the margins, to the periphery, to find
Christ and the challenge of gospel living and justice there. He is modest
and self-effacing, admitting in the now-famous interview with Jesuit
editor Antonio Spadaro in response to the question, “Who is Jorge
Mario Bergoglio?”: “I do not know what might be the most fitting
description. [Pause] I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition.
It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.” Francis’ warm
smile and ease of gesture reflect a man who is at once compassionate,
joyful, and at peace with himself.
It is a useful (and very necessary) thing for each of us to ponder every
so often — perhaps at an annual retreat or during spiritual direction
— what I truly believe and how this translates into action in my life.
What is my underlying experience of God? Who is Jesus for me? Where
do prayer and introspection factor into my life and work? How do I
understand my relationship to others, in the church and beyond?
What, and whom, do I feel passionately about? How does the Eucharist
shape my life, my faith, my ministry? What is my spirituality?
In this Issue
Prayer and spirituality ground this issue of Emmanuel, which includes
lighter reading for the transition to summer. John Christman, SSS,
introduces us to Cleveland contemplative nun Mother Mary Thomas,
whose zeal for the Eucharist is expressed both in prayer and in the
murals she creates. Lou Ella Hickman, IWBS, offers a series of reflections
and questions on the eucharistic undertones of some popular films,
and Victor M. Parachin has written an overview of Teresa of Avila,
whose 500th anniversary of birth was last year.
Roger J. Landry, a priest serving in the Holy See’s Permanent Observer
Mission to the United Nations, shares a homiletic reflection on the
consecrated life.
Anthony Schueller, SSS
Editor
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