Pope lunches with 10 parish priests on Holy Thursday

By Robin Gomes

It has been a tradition with Pope Francis since his election in 2013, to host a lunch for some of the parish priests of his Rome Diocese. 

Brotherhood, communion

After Holy Thursday’s Chrism Mass, that commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist as well as the priesthood, the Pope wanted to live a moment of brotherhood and communion with 10 parish priests of Rome, both diocesan and religious.  One of them was born in Romania and another in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Both have been incardinated into the Diocese of Rome of which Pope is the Bishop, in the tradition of the first Pope, St. Peter.  

Close to God, people and poor

The lunch was hostged at the residence of Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the Secretariat of State.  During lunch, the priests recounted the experiences and problems they face in their parishes.  After listening to them attentively, the Holy Father gave them two instructions:  to be close to God and His people, and to make the poor feel at home in their parishes.