Embrace the Path of Charity as Inspired by Pope Francis and Rosmini
Pope Francis maintains a profound respect for Antonio Rosmini, with their shared ethos echoing Francis' long-standing battle against a culture of waste. As Father Vito Nardin so aptly put it, the bond between Pope and Rosminians is unique, especially when contrasted with that of Pope-Theologian Benedict XVI. Unlike Benedict, who lifted the condemnation of "Forty Propositions" and later beatified Rosmini in 2007, Francis has found his own way to honor our founder since John XXIII.
Father Nardin explains, "Every Pope has found their unique way to show friendship with Rosmini, and it's a testament to the richness of our founder's teachings." Serving as the General Prepositor of the Rosminians from 2013 to 2021, Father Nardin had several opportunities to interact with Francis in private meetings. Among these encounters, the first discussion on Rosmini's concept of the person and his vision for fighting waste left a lasting impression.
In a notable meeting on October 1, 2018, when Francis received the participants in the general chapter of the Institute of Charity in Vatican City, he encouraged the Rosminians: "Your Institute, with the specificity of the Rosminian charism, can still offer a valuable service in the Gospel's announcement. I exhort you to consistently and far-sightedly propose the spiritual and doctrinal heritage you have inherited. Let the inevitable difficulties not discourage you."
Personal accounts accompany these institutions' ties, such as the poignant memory of Francis telling Father Nardin, "Pray for me," repeating, "I really need it." Beyond personal relationships, citations in homilies and documents hint at the ongoing influence of Rosmini's teachings, with Father Nardin having sent a copy of Rosmini's book 'Of the Five Wounds of the Holy Church' to the Pope. In his apostolic constitution 'Veritatis Gaudium', he even referred to Rosmini as a 'master of the masters' for priests in formation.
Clemente Rebora, the Rosminian poet, also seems to have had an impact through his mystical poetry on divine love, though direct citations by the Pope are not specified in the provided materials. His focus on God's mercy resonating with human dignity aligns with Francis' recurring theme in recent parish reflections. The convergence of values between Rosmini and the Pope is evident, even if direct quotes are not explicit in the given texts.
- The average person might assume that all Popes demonstrate similar friendships with Rosmini, but Father Nardin asserts that every Pope has found their unique way to show affection for the founder.
- Contrasting Pope Francis and Pope-Theologian Benedict XVI, it is Francis who has led the way in honoring Rosmini after John XXIII, as opposed to Benedict who beatified Rosmini in 2007.
- Optimizing the Rosminian charism, the Rosminians can still contribute significantly to the Gospel's announcements, as suggested by Pope Francis in his October 1, 2018 meeting with the General Chapter of the Institute of Charity.
- Demonstrating a convergence of values between the Pope and Rosmini, Francis has cited Rosmini as a 'master of the masters' for priests in formation and referenced his book 'Of the Five Wounds of the Holy Church' in his apostolic constitution 'Veritatis Gaudium'.
