On 11 June 2010, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Holy Father presided at a Eucharistic concelebration in St. Peter's Square to mark the close of the Year for Priests which was called to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney, the holy "Cure of Ars".
The Eucharist was concelebrated by cardinals and bishops of the Roman Curia, as well as by more than fifteen thousand priests from all over the world. The Holy Father consecrated the wine in the same chalice as that used by St. John Mary Vianney, which is conserved in Ars. Our own Fr.Jojo Ancheril had the opportunity to be part of this historic event in Rome. Excerpts from his sharing of his experience:
The Eucharist was concelebrated by cardinals and bishops of the Roman Curia, as well as by more than fifteen thousand priests from all over the world. The Holy Father consecrated the wine in the same chalice as that used by St. John Mary Vianney, which is conserved in Ars. Our own Fr.Jojo Ancheril had the opportunity to be part of this historic event in Rome. Excerpts from his sharing of his experience:How did you live this experience?
It was indeed providential that we had the opportunity to go to Rome to attend the concluding ceremony of the year of priests. In spite of the initial moments of uncertainties, 18 priests from Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China were part of this pilgrimage. And it was wonderful feeling to travel to Rome together from the promised land of China. I was so happy and enjoyed a kind of inner peace and fulfillment.
What was your most absorbing experience during your pilgrimage?
I was so touched by the words of Pope Benedict XVI: "Serve God and your people with holiness and courage, and always conform your lives to the mystery of the Lord’s cross. May God bless your apostolic labours abundantly!"
Did you have any gifts for the Holy Father?
Yes I had some gifts for the Holy Father. I carried A Catholic Prayer Bible (Lectio Divina), A letter from Fr. Rossa and a Chinese piece of Art. These were handed over to the Holy Father through the Staff.
And What do you bring back from Rome?
This pilgrimage helped me to experience the universality of the Catholic Church. And today we are called to live and share this universality with one another were ever we are. And also this experience helped me to enjoy the richness and beauty of our priesthood. This pilgrimage also served as a sign of unity and I could experience it very personally.
We were from different countries, congregations, and cultures but we were all priests. And this is what I carry home: the experience of the meaning and beauty of our priesthood.
And I also visited some of the Claretian houses in Rome and I could feel the richness of our congregation and its charism. I also got opportunity to see and touch the relics of our founder St. Anthony Mary Claret.
And I was really taken up the holiness and purity of our founder Claret. And certainly being a Claretian I too am called to live that experience here in Macau and China.
It was indeed providential that we had the opportunity to go to Rome to attend the concluding ceremony of the year of priests. In spite of the initial moments of uncertainties, 18 priests from Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China were part of this pilgrimage. And it was wonderful feeling to travel to Rome together from the promised land of China. I was so happy and enjoyed a kind of inner peace and fulfillment.
What was your most absorbing experience during your pilgrimage?I was so touched by the words of Pope Benedict XVI: "Serve God and your people with holiness and courage, and always conform your lives to the mystery of the Lord’s cross. May God bless your apostolic labours abundantly!"
Did you have any gifts for the Holy Father?
Yes I had some gifts for the Holy Father. I carried A Catholic Prayer Bible (Lectio Divina), A letter from Fr. Rossa and a Chinese piece of Art. These were handed over to the Holy Father through the Staff.
And What do you bring back from Rome?This pilgrimage helped me to experience the universality of the Catholic Church. And today we are called to live and share this universality with one another were ever we are. And also this experience helped me to enjoy the richness and beauty of our priesthood. This pilgrimage also served as a sign of unity and I could experience it very personally.
We were from different countries, congregations, and cultures but we were all priests. And this is what I carry home: the experience of the meaning and beauty of our priesthood.And I also visited some of the Claretian houses in Rome and I could feel the richness of our congregation and its charism. I also got opportunity to see and touch the relics of our founder St. Anthony Mary Claret.
And I was really taken up the holiness and purity of our founder Claret. And certainly being a Claretian I too am called to live that experience here in Macau and China.
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