Dear brothers,
Pope Francis published the new encyclical ‘Dilexit Nos’, an invitation to rediscover the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. This profound and inspiring text emphasises the importance of God’s Heart and love for humanity, calling us to sincere and personal reflection. This document invites us to reflect deeply on the centrality of divine love in our lives, encouraging us to recognise its living and tangible presence, rediscovering devotion to the Sacred Heart as a source of spiritual and missionary renewal. The encyclical is divided into five main chapters, each of which offers valuable insights and encouragement for our missionary journey.
The encyclical begins with the importance of the heart and invites us to understand how divine love manifests itself both on a personal and collective level, illuminating our lives and our journey. Pope Francis emphasises how God works in human history, transforming people’s lives through his boundless love. The challenge before us is to recognise the signs of God’s presence in our daily experiences, allowing ourselves to be guided by Him and becoming witnesses of this experience to others.
Francis goes on to describe mercy as the concrete manifestation of Christian love. Mercy is not just a theological concept, but a tangible act that translates into love for one’s neighbour, especially those who live in suffering. We are called to be instruments of mercy, looking at others with eyes of compassion and offering comfort and hope to anyone in distress. Mercy, as the Pope reminds us, is a mission that requires the entire commitment of our lives.
Further on, he analyses the role of the Church as a community of welcome and belonging, especially for those on the margins of society. Francis sees the Church as a big family in which there are no exclusions, only inclusion and love. An example of this inclusion is the recently opened ‘Simeon and Anna House’ in Udine, which aims to overcome loneliness and provide a welcoming environment for those in need. We are invited to build communities that are open and welcoming, in which each person feels loved and valued. Our task is to be a Church that listens and cares, that gives comfort and support to all, especially the least.
The pontiff also addresses the issue of economic justice and the need to promote a fairer economic system that places human dignity at the centre. Francis criticises serious social and economic inequalities, emphasising the urgency of structural change. A concrete example of this commitment is the ’13 Famvin Houses Project‘, an initiative that aims to provide decent housing for the homeless, demonstrating the importance of solidarity in practice. We are called to build an economy that puts the person at the centre, promotes social justice and ensures that no one is left behind. Solidarity and sharing are fundamental to achieving a more just and humane world.
Pope Francis urges every Christian to become a missionary of God’s love, concretely dedicating themselves to service towards the poorest and most vulnerable. Charity, the Pope teaches us, is not just a feeling, but an action that pushes us out of our personal boundaries to reach out to others. The model of Jesus, who gave all of himself for others, is the example we must follow. Putting our lives at the service of others, especially those who are excluded from society, is our fundamental mission.
In this fourth encyclical, whose publication coincides with the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian Jubilee, the Pope mentions St Vincent de Paul at various points, linking this important anniversary to the saint’s witness of charity. Pope Francis cites St Vincent de Paul as a shining example of charity and dedication to the poor, encouraging us to follow his example in our daily lives. St Vincent reminds us of the importance of humble and constant service, always putting the dignity of the human person at the centre. His deep devotion to the Heart of Christ is a key element of his charism, inviting us to a sincere spiritual union with Jesus. Today, we can apply his example by dedicating ourselves to the most vulnerable in our communities, promoting social justice and responding with concrete love to the needs of those who suffer, always with the Heart of Christ as our guide. In particular, St Vincent is mentioned in paragraphs 148, 180 and 207 of the encyclical. He is presented as a model of devotion to the Heart of Christ and of practical and tireless love for those most in need. Pope Francis invites us to follow his example of charitable service and union with Christ, showing how charity can transform people’s lives and bring hope where it seems to be lacking. The Pope’s words underline the importance of a constant and concrete commitment, as our founder taught us, to be true witnesses of God’s love in the world.
We invite you all to read the encyclical carefully and share your reflections with us by commenting on this article. From this text we can draw great inspiration for our service and strengthen our mission, rediscovering the deep meaning of God’s love in our lives and the value of our vocation. Reading “Dilexit Nos” can be a valuable opportunity to deepen our spirituality and renew our commitment to serve others, with love and dedication.
Girolamo Grammatico
Communication Office
