VATICAN CITY, MAY 16, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II summarized the message of newly canonized St. Annibale Maria Di Francia in a few words: «Be enamored of Jesus Christ.»
His «love of the Lord impelled him to dedicate the whole of his life to the spiritual good of his neighbor,» the Pope said during his homily at the canonization Mass for Di Francia and five others today.
«In this perspective, he noted above all the urgency to realize the evangelical command: ‘Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest,'» the Holy Father said.
Annibale Maria Di Francia (1851-1927), an Italian priest, founded the congregations of the Rogationist Fathers of the Heart of Jesus, and the Daughters of Divine Zeal. Their charism was to live and propagate Jesus’ mandate to pray for vocations by being at the service of the littlest and poorest, especially in mission lands.
«Father Annibale Maria Di Francia addresses this same invitation to young people of our time, summarizing it in his usual exhortation: ‘Be enamored of Jesus Christ,'» the Pope said.
«From this providential intuition a great movement arose in the Church of prayer for vocations,» John Paul II said. «It is my heartfelt hope that the example of Father Annibale Maria Di Francia will guide and support also in this our time such pastoral action.»
