10 Years of Francis: Vocation Inspiration
Rob Rizzo, SJ, is a scholastic in the EUM Province of the Society of Jesus, currently studying theology in the Philippines. He is today’s subject for our “10 Years of Francis” series.
Pope Francis and I actually share a special date. On the morning of Wednesday, 13th of March, 2013, I met with the Jesuit in charge of vocations in my area and asked to join the Jesuits. His Papacy has accompanied my formation ever since.
Though I’ve never met him, I feel close to him; I feel like he would understand me - and many people feel this way. That’s one of his charisms which I appreciate.He makes people feel close to God, and that God is close to us. His Papacy is peppered with anecdotes such as when he called the news kiosk back in Buenos Aires to cancel his subscription when he became Pope; or when he told that kid, Emanuele, that his father - an atheist - was loved by God; or who could forget that iconic image of him all alone, because of Covid, giving the Urbi et Orbi blessing in March 2020.
Pope Francis inspires me with his courage to face issues that might seem controversial and which, to me, seemed like they were taboos for the Church before. Our shortcomings with cases of abuse by the clergy; our difficulty with understanding and welcoming LGBTQ+ people. For someone from my generation, these are not issues that can be brushed under the carpet, and it was heartening to see the Pope begin to address them.
He more than allows his humanity to show - he almost exposes it - because through his humanity we can see the Spirit moving and working. He reminds me of that quote by St. Ireneus, “The Glory of God is man fully alive.”
10 Years of Francis: Reflections from his Jesuit Brothers
10 Years of Francis: He is my pope too
10 Years of Francis: Compassion and Tenderness
10 Years of Francis: MAGIS
10 Years of Francis: Inviting us to be adult disciples
10 Years of Francis: “Padre Jorge”
Conversion. Atonement. Forgiveness. Election.
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Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation.
Let us pray for the Pope, so that in the exercise of his mission, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him by Jesus, always with the help of the Holy Spirit.
