Emmanuel
FROM THE EDITOR
I recently spent some time at my order’s Generalate in Rome. Being
in Rome is always special. The city is filled with magnificent churches,
hallowed archeological sites, great restaurants, and friendly people.
Everywhere we turned this time, it seemed, there were copies and
representations of Pope Francis’ pectoral cross, available in every price
range and medium—except gold!
The humble silver cross with the image of the Good Shepherd on it
was made for Francis when he was the archbishop of Buenos Aires by
Giuseppe Albrizzi, who lives in the northern Italian town of Vidigulfo. In
the May 2014 edition of Messenger of Saint Anthony, Renzo Allegri writes
of its deep significance for the Holy Father. He describes the cross as
Francis’ “inseparable companion,” always close to his heart:
“When he became the archbishop of Buenos Aires and later a cardinal
and primate of the Argentine church, Archbishop Bergoglio continued
to lead the lifestyle of a simple parish priest. He refused to reside at the
Archbishop’s House, preferring instead to live in a small flat with a retired
priest, and he cooked his own meals.”
“Whenever he had any free time available from his numerous duties as
archbishop, he went to the slums of Buenos Aires (favelas). At that time,
Archbishop Bergoglio did not even have a car. He just used the buses or
the subway. During the trip from the Archbishop’s House to the favelas,
located on the outskirts of the city, he would often clutch his pectoral
cross—the symbol of his desire to shepherd the poor. The cross had
more than a sentimental value for the man who wore it; it also meant
something for those he visited. The outcasts of society in the favelas
touched it too; they kissed it and bathed it with their tears while the
archbishop listened to their stories.”
Pope Francis has frequently challenged his brother bishops and priests
to avoid careerism, to live simpler lives close to the people, and to
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