By Christopher Wells
Prior to his General Audience on Wednesday morning, Pope Leo met with members of the Fraternity of Monsignor Courtney, who are undertaking a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome.
The Fraternity is dedicated to preserving the memory of Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, who was killed in Burundi in 2003 in the midst of the nation’s civil war. The Apostolic Nuncio was shot and killed in an ambush as he returned to the capital, Bujumbura, after attending a funeral. He was the first nuncio to die as a result of violence in 500 years.
Jesus, hope of the Church and the world
In his address, Pope Leo recalled Francis’ intention to place hope at the centre of Jubilee 2025. “Now our Hope is Jesus Christ! He, and He alone, is the Hope of the Church and of the entire world!” the Pope said.
The Holy Father highlighted the pilgrims’ “act of faith” in going to encounter Jesus “and place Him once again at the centre of our lives and of the life of the world.”
At the conclusion of their pilgrimage, he told them, “You will return to your daily commitments strengthened in hope, better prepared to work for the integral development of every person in the light of the Gospel.”
A Family close to the Pope
The Holy Father went on to thank them for their work in honour of Archbishop Courtney, devoted himself to the vulnerable and “gave his life for peace” in Burundi. “You are, in his memory, a Family close to the Pope in Burundi, which desires to be on mission among the poor and the little ones in the name of Christ.”
He highlighted their initiative in constructing a health centre in Archbishop Courtney’s honour, as well as their “daily acts of charity” and other initiatives, including the establishment of a memorial to the slain Apostolic Nuncio in place where he was killed.
Earlier this year, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin laid the foundation stone of the health centre, and blessed the monument to Archbishop Courtney.
Keep hope alive
Concluding his address on Wednesday, Pope Leo thanked members of the Fraternity for their visit and warmly encouraged them in their work. “Keep the hope for a better world alive,” he said. “Keep alive the certainty that, united with Christ, your efforts will bear fruit and receive their reward.”
Finally, the Pope entrusted the pilgrims, along with the entire nation of Burundi, to the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary, as he imparted his Apostolic Blessing. – Vatican News
