A new example in spirituality!

Pope Francis habitually telephones those who write to him to offer wise words, support and guidance.

But lately Pope Francis has been offering followers more than just a sympathetic ear after he sent 200 euros [US$ 271] to an elderly woman who told him she had been mugged on a bus.

He even sent gifts of money to refugees who survived a recent ship wreck, while on their way  to find asylum in Europe.

Pope Francis is asking the priests to live simple life, abandon their expensive cars and be in in touch with the poor in the congregations. He even exhorted the women religious in the church to be 'less spiritual' (ascetic) and live 'joyful lives' serving Christ'! 

An Italian newspaper editor who raised questions about faith and God in his editorial of the newspaper, was in for a surprise, to get a letter with an apologetic appeal about the reality of God and faith, which the editor published in his news paper.

There is always something in the news about Pope Francis, because he appears to be nonconventional, open to people and situations and reflects a personal authentic spirituality.

It is this prompted me to get hold of this book and learn more about the formative process of this religious leader, who stands out for his sincerity of purpose and sense of calling to be a pilgrim! 

Let me quote from pages 20 and 21 on his attitude to work:

'More and more people work on Sundays as a result of competitiveness imposed by a consumer society. In these cases, we can see the other extreme: work dehumanises people. When work does not lead to healthy leisure, to restorative rest, then it enslaves you, because then you are not working for dignity, but to compete.This vitiates the intention of work....Healthy leisure means both father and mother play with tier children. Healthy leisure has to have this recreational element and there is something profoundly wise in this.' 

This book tells the story of a pilgrimage and living the beatitude way. No wonder, he chose to borrow the name of St. Francis for his papacy.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)