“Love is Shown More in
Deeds than in Words” – St. Ignatius of Loyola
Pope Francis puts into practice St. Ignatius’ observation on
love. During his WYD trip to Brazil, he visited the poor in the
Varginha favela, demonstrated joy and fun in
hugging more people and kissing more babies when
his car took a wrong turn onto a busy Rio
street, challenged clericalism, and called the church to an “inner
renewal”. On the return flight, he made a
seismic shift in conciliatory tone towards gays and gay priests, encouraged
greater mercy for divorced and remarried Catholics, and asked for a
"deeper theology" and greater leadership role for women in the
church.
Echoing his namesake, Pope Francis continues to exemplify and
exhort the Gospel charge: “Go.
Don't Fear. Serve.” While not seeking to change
controversial church doctrines, he clearly alters attitudes and promotes
greater compassion. In doing so, he heeds St. Ignatius’ advice to pursue change
by building upon what is already present and commonly accepted.
In Pope Francis, we have a wonderful model of Ignatian spirituality
in action. More in deeds than in words.
Happy Feast of St Ignatius !!!
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