pope francis speaks to the parish priests of Rome

Back in March Pope Francis spoke to the parish priests of Rome about mercy and what it means to be a shepherd of souls. I've been wanting to do a simultaneous translation, here it is. I think it's a must-watch for any priest!

a humbling line of work

Dear Family and Friends,

Being a priest you receive so many gifts – spiritual ones.

 

the chapel at school

I spend a lot of time in the chapel at school. The other day I was there praying when one of the teachers brought the preschool children in. They made their way up to the front where she pointed out the tabernacle. “Jesus is in there,” she told them.

“Is that really Jesus?” one of the children piped up. The teacher nodded. “Is he gonna come out?” asked another.

 

children praying at school

Simple questions. But profound. Aren’t those the questions and the desires of every heart? I feel blessed to witness them!

Then there’s confession. For all my life I knelt on one side of the screen. Now I continue to go myself, but I spend a lot of time on the other side.

When I was the one naming my sins and asking forgiveness, I always assumed the priest was thinking to himself, “What a wretch!” Now that I’m hearing confessions, I’m always thinking to myself, “Wow, what humility!”

What humility – that someone would reveal their failings to a mere man, trusting that through him God will grant His forgiveness. What humility – that a person will kneel and place themselves and all their weakness in God’s hands, by means of a weak instrument.

Being witness to the faith of children and the humility of souls are some of the things I’m thankful for as a priest.

God bless you!

Father Kevin