Holiness in Action

The latest encyclical letter by Pope Francis is titled Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), and it focuses on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This encyclical, which was published on October 24, 2024, delves into the themes of human and divine love as exemplified by the heart of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis highlights the importance of rediscovering the heart in a world challenged by wars, social and economic inequalities, consumerism, and technological advances that can undermine human values. The encyclical is structured into five chapters, each exploring different aspects of devotion to the Sacred Heart and its implications for personal and communal spiritual renewal. One significant aspect of Dilexit Nos is its call for a transformation beginning from the heart, advocating for actions and words of love inspired by Christ's example. Pope Francis encourages the faithful to build a new civilisation of love, emphasising the need for repentance and missionary zeal to share the transformative love of Christ with the world​. Read the full text of the encyclical letter Dilexit Nos.

by Carmel G. Cauchi, SDC Member   During the month of November we remember our departed brothers and sisters, we offer masses for the repose of their souls, and visit the graves of our loved ones to put candles and flowers on them, and pray for them. But why do we do that? Because we believe that not everything ends with death, but there is another life, eternal life. This is what we say at the end of the Creed: "And I await the resurrection from the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen”. And in the mass for the dead we say "For those who believe in you, Lord, life does not end but changes". This is not a loose belief, but based on three great guarantees that Jesus Christ himself gives us: The first guarantee for those who have faith is: "Truly, truly I say to you that whoever believes in me has eternal life." (Jn 6,47) The second guarantee is for those who observe God's Law: "Truly, truly I say to you that whoever keeps my word will never see death." (Jn 8, 51) The third guarantee is for those who approach the Eucharist: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day." (Jn 6,54) So Jesus will give an eternity of happiness to those who believe in him, observe his Law and receive Holy Communion often. Thus we don't look at death with fear because we know and believe that it will lead us to meet the Lord and live with him and our loved ones forever. Saint Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, wanted a painting of death in a different way from how it is usually depicted: a skeleton with a sickle in its hand. He asked the painter to paint it as a beautiful angel with a golden key in his hand. Because for him death is not a sickle, but a key, it is not an end but a beginning, it is not an alley but a passage, it is not a defeat but a victory. Death is the door through which we pass to a brighter and better life. And that's how we should consider it. This is what we say at the end of the prayer of Saint Francis: "It is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, who has served as the preacher to the papal household for over forty years, led a six-day retreat for U.S. bishops in January 2019 at Pope Francis’s invitation. Shepherds and Fishermen, published in 2020, compiles the reflections and meditations from this retreat, making them accessible to individuals and groups seeking spiritual and ministerial inspiration. The book highlights Mark 3:14: “He appointed twelve . . . that they might be with him, and he might send them forth to preach”. Through lectio divina, homilies, and liturgies, the reflections emphasize the dual call to “be with Jesus” and to “go forth to preach.” Readers are encouraged to consider how their ministry relies on both personal sanctification and pastoral activity. With twenty-six scripturally based and culturally relevant meditations, Shepherds and Fishermen is perfect for all those aiming to deepen their spiritual lives. Available from Librerija Preca.  

written by Carmel G. Cauchi, SDC Member   Me too, even though I’m a sinner! A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying. On the first of November, we celebrate All Saints' Day, honoring all saints; not only those with depicted in halos and placed on altars for veneration. Beyond these, there are countless other saints who are unnamed, yet spent their lives striving to live by God’s law. They didn’t perform miracles or face martyrdom, but they did their best to live righteously; and when they stumbled, they rose and continued with their journey. Saints weren’t born saints; many struggled and faltered. But they kept trying, and eventually, they succeeded. Holiness isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s a calling for everyone. We are all invited to holiness. The Lord called everyone to follow him. Once, Jesus said to all: “If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk 9:23). This path of following Christ is the journey to holiness. So, the Lord is also calling me to holiness, even though I am a sinner! Many sinners have become saints because the Lord desires not the death of the wicked, but their conversion and life (Ezek 18:23). To live doesn’t simply mean to exist in this world, for our worldly lives will end. To truly live is to attain eternal life; to become saints. Lord, I know I have a long journey ahead to become who You desire me to be; be patient with me and lead me onward, even when my steps are slow.

St George Preca had great admiration for the saints. For him, the saints were friends of God and friends of ours as well. Like the stars that guide the sailors, the saints show us the way in the spiritual life. In this book, Preca, with an easy and profound style, invites us to listen to some of the best-known saints of the Catholic Church. He presents us with thirty-one saints who share with us beautiful teachings about the spiritual life. He does not quote directly from the books or preachings of these saints, but with simple words he tries to summarise the virtues and attitudes that stood out most in their lives. Reading this book, followed by a moment of reflection or meditation, can be of great spiritual benefit to all of us and a great help to follow in the footsteps of our friends, the saints.   Example: Preacher: Saint Cajetan of Thiene Let's imagine having this saint in front of us, and that we are listening to him preach, in his own voice, on a topic that stood out a lot to him during his life.  Trust in God Dear friends, listen and understand. Who is the one who governs all the creation? Is it not the one who keeps everything in existence? What is so evident in the sky, on earth, and in the sea, more than the providence and care of God towards his creatures? From where does so much food come from for so many human beings? From where does the clothing for so many bodies come from? By observing the birds in the skies and the lilies of the fields, human beings understand that they should not worry excessively about their livelihood, since they are much more precious for God than other creatures. We must trust in God, the Father of all. A wise man, reflecting on the uncertainties of life, wealth, honour, and glory, does not worry and does not strive for things that are in a continuous process of change. Can a faithful person ever doubt that God knows what his creatures need and that He truly loves them as the works of his hands? May every human being rest in the providence of God!   Available from Librerija Preca.

Preca Publications is publishing Il-Paci tal-Qalb (Peace of Heart), authored by SDC Member Stephen Zammit. In this work, Zammit invites readers on an inner journey to uncover the essential role of inner peace in every person’s life. The book offers fifty reflections drawn from the wisdom of saints and spiritual teachers who have dedicated themselves to attaining this profound treasure. Among these are reflections inspired by the spirituality of St. George Preca. This book, in Maltese, serves as a valuable resource for adults seeking the grace of inner peace. Available from Preca Library.