The Father's Words to His Children
My beloved children of Italy and the world, to each of you, near and far, I send peace and blessings from the Lord.
As I speak to you on this solemn and memorable day, my heart is overwhelmed with emotion as I witness the work of Divine Providence. Over these past ten years, in truly miraculous and abundant ways, God’s hand has so generously blessed the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.
Looking back to its humble beginnings and reflecting on how everything arose from nothing, the miracle of faith and charity that this Work embodies shines even more brightly, standing as a testament to the world. Infinite thanks be to the Lord and the Blessed Virgin, and blessings to all who, in any way, have contributed to the birth and growth of this Work.
My blessed children, I thank you with all my heart for your generosity, for the sacrifices you have made, and for the care and devotion you have shown. You have been instruments in the hands of God, bringing into being this “Casa”, where the souls and bodies of so many of our sick brothers and sisters find healing and care through the priestly, medical, spiritual, and social efforts of the entire hospital community.
My heartfelt remembrance and gratitude extend to those who, from the very beginning, contributed to the realization of this Work and who now, having ascended to Heaven to receive the reward of their generous charity, continue to offer spiritual assistance to the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.
Yet, my paternal thoughts are especially drawn to the Prayer Groups, now spread throughout the world and gathered here today for their second International Meeting, held on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Casa.
These groups, deeply united with the Casa Sollievo, are the forward posts of this Citadel of Charity. They are nurseries of faith, flames of love, where Christ Himself is present each time they gather for prayer and the Eucharistic Agape, under the guidance of their Pastors and Spiritual Directors.
It is prayer—the unified power of all good souls—that moves the world, renews hearts, sustains the Casa, comforts the afflicted, heals the sick, sanctifies labor, elevates healthcare, strengthens the spirit, and brings Christian acceptance to human suffering. It is prayer that spreads the smile and blessing of God over every weakness and frailty.
Pray often, my beloved children; pray always, without ever growing weary. It is to prayer that I entrust this Work, which God Himself has willed into existence and which will continue to stand and flourish through the aid of Divine Providence and the spiritual and charitable contributions of all praying souls.
May the Almighty and Merciful Lord, who receives as done unto Himself every act of kindness shown to suffering brothers and sisters, reward you a thousandfold with a measure full, pressed down, and overflowing.
As a token of my spiritual gratitude, I offer for each of you my daily prayers and sufferings. I remember you in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where I present you before the Throne of Divine Majesty, imploring graces and blessings for all of you—especially for the patients of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza and for all the sick throughout the world, united spiritually as one family through the bonds of suffering and charity. To them, I offer this exhortation: bear your suffering in the spirit of Christ, uniting it with the Passion of Jesus and the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin.
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
