(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 08.03.2024).- On the morning of Saturday, August 3, Pope Francis welcomed seminarians from the Major Seminary of Getafe, Spain, to the Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace. The seminarians were accompanied by Bishop Ginés García Beltrán of Getafe, Auxiliary Bishop José María Avendaño, the rector and formators of the Major Seminary, and the rector of the Minor Seminary of Rozas de Puerto Real.
The gathering, which began shortly after 9:00 AM and lasted nearly two hours, saw Pope Francis handing the seminarians a written message while dedicating most of the time to an engaging Q&A session. This interactive format allowed the seminarians to ask up to twelve questions, turning the audience into a dynamic dialogue.
In his written message, Pope Francis urged the seminarians to be “men of integrity and generosity in responding to their vocation, always ready to listen and forgive, fully committed to God and their fellow men, especially those who suffer the most—the poor and the marginalized.”
Bishop Ginés García Beltrán expressed his joy following the audience, highlighting the significance of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the seminary with the Pope. “We met with a father who welcomed us, answered sincerely with his straightforward, yet profoundly insightful style,” he said.
During the discussion, Pope Francis emphasized the four key relationships every priest must cultivate: closeness to God, the bishop, fellow priests, and the people. He also discussed the balance between obedience and freedom and the integration of ecclesial movements within the diocese.
Bishop García Beltrán humorously recounted how the Pope was surprised by the number of seminarians present, even jokingly asking, “What are you doing to have this many?”
Auxiliary Bishop José María Avendaño highlighted the Pope’s emphasis on an intimate life with the Lord, which should manifest in church unity and communion. He noted the Pope’s good health, humor, and depth in addressing existential questions.
Cruz Gonzalo López Palomo, the rector of the Major Seminary of Getafe, was deeply moved by the direct interaction with the Pope. He recalled the Pope’s advice to formators to act like fathers, stressing the importance of providing clear guidance and norms.
Antonio Sánchez, a 24-year-old seminarian from Alcorcón, shared his personal encounter with the Pope. Seeking advice for those about to be ordained as deacons, Sánchez was counseled on the need for closeness to God, fervor in mission, and patience.
At the conclusion of the audience, the seminarians presented Pope Francis with several gifts, including an image of the Sacred Heart, centennial acts of the Sacred Heart, a cross with a resurrected Christ, pastries, a letter of petitions and thanks from the diocese, and a football jersey from the seminary bearing the Pope’s name.
The Pope’s written message expressed his joy at receiving the community from the Major Seminary «Our Lady of the Apostles» of Getafe, which came in pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul as part of their 30th-anniversary celebrations. Reflecting on the life of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, whose feast is celebrated on August 4, Pope Francis reminded the seminarians of the immense good that priests do for their communities.
“This journey of becoming more like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is not without its challenges,” the Pope wrote, urging the seminarians to focus on four fundamental aspects: spiritual life, study, community life, and apostolic activity. He stressed the importance of harmonizing these aspects to become priests who are integral and generous in their response to their vocation, always ready to listen, forgive, and serve, particularly the suffering, the poor, and the excluded.
In closing, Pope Francis invoked the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a prominent monument at the Cerro de los Ángeles, and asked the Lord to be the center of the seminarians’ lives. He prayed that their hearts would be shaped according to His and that they would remain close to His heart, with the protection of Our Lady of the Angels guiding them on their journey.
This heartfelt encounter with Pope Francis not only enriched the seminarians’ faith but also reinforced their commitment to their vocational journey and their role within the broader church community.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
