Kochi: Fifty years have elapsed since the ordination of Pope Francis to the priesthood of the Global Catholic Church. Born on December 17, 1936, in Las Flores, Argentina, he was anointed a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council has issued a special circular inviting the faithful to pray for his services in the context of the Papal priest’s Golden Jubilee.
Full version of the circular
Pope Francis completes 50 golden years of priesthood on 13 December! The Holy Father, who follows Jesus through his priestly ministry, is the good shepherd who travels with ego and seeks the lost. Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936 in Las Flores, Argentina. On December 13, 1969, he became a clergyman in the Jesuit Council. He was ordained bishop on June 27, 1992. He was elected successor of St. Peter on March 13, 2013.
He is beloved to all by sharing the joy of the gospel with others and spreading it to his surroundings. He believes that the mystery of the gospel is God’s mercy. As the world has experienced the Father’s mercy through Jesus, the church and all the ministers of the church are calling on him to heal the heart of Jesus and heal them with mercy. He reminds the church that God’s mercy is a door that never closes and that God waits for all His children.
He interacts with people from all over the world. His words touch human hearts, breaking all the walls that separate human beings. The divine love of God moves him to uphold the dignity, dignity, and glory of all sorts of people. Not to judge any of them. He is firmly convinced that the church is appointed to follow the law carefully. He reminds the world to heed the mourning of the poor and the natural. The world sees and respects him as a spiritual father. He goes before us to follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus.
Pope’s words are straightforward and simple. His works are a testimony and interpretation of the Gospel. As Peter proclaimed Christ in the Apostolic Acts, he calls on the church to continue the saving work of Jesus Christ with the mercy of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the meantime, we can thank the Most Merciful God who gave His Holy Father to lead the church in the form of peace, sisterhood, and fellowship. May his ministries rely on God’s mercy to inspire and transform all areas of life in times of crisis and challenge.
May we strengthen all the ministries of the church by living a life of prayer and obedience to God’s Word and respect for spiritual leadership. In the liturgy of 13 and 17, we can thank God for the goodness of His Father’s ministry and offer special prayers for His commission. Above all, let us strive to be evangelists in holiness and joy by making evangelistic virtues a living thing, and charity work being part of the Christian mission.
Praying for all the blessings of God,
George Cardinal Alenchery (KCBC president)
