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The Vatican City — In a recent address to seminarians from the province of Toledo, Spain, Pope Francis likened the path of priestly formation to a Eucharistic procession, emphasizing the importance of closeness and devotion.
Pope Francis highlighted four types of closeness that seminarians should cultivate on their journey to priesthood: closeness with God, with bishops, among priests, and with the people of God. "A priest who is not close to his bishop is lame; something is missing," he stated during the meeting on November 7. He added that the closeness among priests "begins already in the seminary."
The Pope referred to an upcoming procession known as "Reservado," which commemorates when the Eucharist was first placed in the seminary chapel's tabernacle. He explained how this traditional procession can remind seminarians of fundamental elements of priesthood.
The celebration starts with a Mass, where Jesus comes into lives as proof of great love. In Mass, Jesus "calls us together as Church to be present in priesthood and people, in sacrament and Word," said Pope Francis. He expressed hope that having Jesus on earth would fill their lives and hearts.
He also spoke about the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the seminary chapel before the "Reservado" procession. This time allows seminarians to be alone with Jesus "to hear His voice in silence, listening to His Word and witnessing faith alongside those who pray next to us."
"Only a personal encounter with Jesus can illuminate and sustain our earthly journey," he said. The Pope hopes such encounters will transform existence effectively.
Finally, during Eucharistic processions, Jesus is carried because He is received to be shared. "Our ministry accompanies Christ towards His people and vice versa," said Pope Francis. He encouraged learning to walk together without losing sight of guidance.
Earlier, Pope Francis met another group from Spain: Augustinian nuns from San Ildefonso Monastery in Talavera de la Reina along with priests and laypeople accompanying them on pilgrimage to Rome.
He urged priests and religious sisters always keep others' needs at heart: “When someone complains about having too much work think about those without it.” Reflecting on shelter comforts compared against homelessness he reminded them: “When one enters convent or parish house think ‘I have it for free.’”
Pope Francis also advised not losing joy or humor: “When Christians especially religious lose humor they become sour,” encouraging asking God for humor like Saint Thomas More did.
"A sad saint is a sad saint indeed," concluded Pope Francis.
