Once upon a time…

Pope John Paul II retrieved Father Jorge Mario from his exile (see day 3) by naming him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. He was a bishop who enjoyed working in the field with the poor in the slum areas as well as visiting his fellow priests using the bus or metro as transport.

A few years later even after becoming bishop and then cardinal, he kept his simple and unpretentious manner of dressing and living. He rejects being wasteful and living in excessive comfort. For example, he chose to have his predecessor's robes adjusted to fit him and to live in the guesthouse for visiting clergy.

A Saying…

Sobriety that is chosen and lived in a conscientious manner is liberating

 Sobriety that is chosen and lived in a conscientious manner is liberating. It is not living less, it is not living less intensely but actually the exact opposite because in reality those who enjoy living the most and live each instant are those who have stopped complaining about details and what they don't have. They are those that savour and learn from each moment and each encounter and who know how to enjoy the simple things of life. In this way they are less unsatisfied, less tired and less tormented. It is possible to live intensely with little, especially when one is able to appreciate other pleasures and find satisfaction in brotherly encounters, by serving others, by using his/her charismas, in music and art, in nature, and in prayer. Happiness requires limiting certain needs that dull our minds and instead allow ourselves to be available to the many possibilities offered in life.” Laudato si n°223

A Prayer…

Today let us pray for our Holy Father who, despite the many temptations and solicitations in the world, has chosen to live simply and reasonably, concentrating only on the essential. May peace, not agitation be present within him.

Three ways to pray for this intention:
1. I click immediately on the tab “I pray” just below, and I carefully read the “prayer to the Holy Spirit for Pope Francis”
2. I say 10 Hail Marys and I click on the tab “I pray”
3. I offer 3 minutes of silence, heart to heart, with God, then I click on the tab “I pray”