To Lepers from the Tala Leper House (21 February 1981)

On 21 February 1981, the Holy Father spoke at the “Radio Veritas” headquarters to a group of lepers of the Tala Leper House, Manila, Philippines.

“Mga kaibigan” (Dear friends)  

“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat” (I warmly thank you all).  

I would have liked to visit you at your home, but it was not possible. Thank you for coming to meet me instead. Thank you for wanting to represent the others who really wanted to come but couldn't. Being with you today brings great joy to my heart. I greet you with affection and I hope you know how much I have awaited this meeting of ours.  

In my previous pastoral visits to Africa and Brazil I met other men and women suffering from leprosy. These encounters left a profound impression on me, because I was able to appreciate the loving patience and courage with which they live despite trials and adversities.  

1. I stand here in the name of Christ Jesus to remind you of his extraordinary love for all his brothers and sisters, but in particular for each of you. The Gospels bear witness to this truth. Think for a moment how often Jesus showed his concern by transforming situations of necessity into moments of grace. In the Gospel of Saint Luke, for example, Jesus is approached by ten lepers who ask to be healed. The Lord orders them to show themselves to the priests, and along the way they are healed. One of them returns to give thanks. In his gratitude she demonstrates a faith that is strong, joyful and full of praise for the wonder of God's gifts. Evidently Jesus touched the profound intimacy of this man's being with his love for him.  

2. Again in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, we are presented with a leper who asks Jesus to heal him but only if it is his will. What great gratitude a man feels when his request is heard! He sets out to spread the joyful news of the miracle to everyone he meets. Such great happiness comes from man's faith. His words “if you want you can cleanse me” reflect a willingness to accept whatever Jesus wants for him. And his faith in Jesus was not disappointed! Dear brothers and sisters, may your faith in Jesus be no less firm and constant than the faith of these people in the Gospels.  

3. I know that your affliction involves intense suffering, not only through its physical manifestations, but also through the misconceptions that so many in society continue to associate with Hansen's disease. Often you come across very old prejudices, and these become a source of even greater suffering. For my part, I will continue to proclaim to the world the need for even greater awareness of the fact that, through appropriate help, this disease can actually be overcome. For this reason I ask everyone everywhere to increasingly support the courageous efforts being made to eradicate leprosy and effectively treat those who are still affected by it.  

4. I pray that you will never be discouraged or embittered. Wherever and whenever you encounter the Cross, embrace it as Jesus did, so that the Father's will may be done. May your suffering be offered for the benefit of the whole Church, so that you can say with Saint Paul: "Therefore I am happy in my sufferings... and I complete in my flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of His Body which is the Church..." ( Col 1:24).  

Three days ago I beatified sixteen martyrs of Nagasaki in your country. Among them is the Blessed Lazarus of Kyoto, who was a leper. How we rejoice in the help that Blessed Lazarus provided to the missionaries as a translator and guide. Ultimately his commitment to spreading the Gospel cost him his life; he died shedding his blood for the faith. His love for Christ involved much suffering, even torturing pain! He experienced the misunderstanding, revulsion and hatred of others in his service to the Church! But with the strength of God's grace, Blessed Lazarus gave testimony of faith and deserved the precious gift of the crown of martyrdom.  

Dear friends, I invite you to imitate the courage of Blessed Lazarus who is so close to you. Share the beliefs of your faith with your brothers and sisters who suffer with you. Repay the love of the doctors, nurses and volunteers who so generously care for you. Work to build a living community of faith, a community that supports, strengthens and enriches the universal Church. Your service to Christ is here! Here is the challenge for your life! This is where you can show your faith, your hope and your love!  

May God bless you, dear brothers and sisters! Bless all leprosy patients in this country! Bless your families, your friends and all those who assist you! “Ai higit sa lahat, inihahabilin ko ang aking sarili sa inyong panalangin, sa inyong pagmamahal” (And above all, I commend myself to your prayer and love).  

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