Each week Sydney Bishop Tony Percy shares a brief message with his social media followers relating to the Sunday Gospel or other items of interest to Catholics and non-Catholics.
This series highlights points for reflection from the first public addresses given by Pope Leo XIV, beginning with Mass at the Tomb of St Paul in Rome on 20 May 2025.
This latest is based on a letter sent by the pope to the French Bishops’ Conference, stressing the significance of the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the canonisation of three French saints.
Pope Pius XI canonised St Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), St John Eudes (1601-1680) and St John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) in 1925.
Commemorating the 100th anniversary, the French bishops received a message from Pope Leo XIV. He focused on “one spiritual trait” the three saints have in common.
They loved Jesus unreservedly in a simple, strong and authentic way. They experienced his goodness and tenderness in a special closeness, and they bore witness to it in an admirable missionary drive.
It is the heart that loves. Leo XIV quotes Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart:
“That Stream, which is never exhausted, never passes away…offers itself time and time again to all those who wish to love as he did. For his love alone can bring about a new humanity.” He Loved Us, 219.
Pope Leo XIV says that there exists no better programme of a mission than this. Of course, we do well to remember that saints do not arise in a vacuum, but rather:
“By grace, emerge from living Christian communities that have been able to transmit the faith to them, to kindle in their hearts the love of Jesus and the desire to follow him.”
Amen
Bishop Percy is the author of The Scaffolding Newsletter. Find him also on Instagram @bishopanthonypercy.