To the Priests and Seminarians of the Moncada Seminary (8 November 1982)
ShareO THE PRIESTS AND SEMINARS
OF THE MONCADA SEMINAR
Valencia - Monday, November 8, 1982
On Monday, 8 November 1982, the Holy Father spoke to priests and seminarians of the Moncada Seminary in Valencia, describing them as “the beloved, the intimate ones of the Lord.”
Dear priests and seminarians.
1. Today we experienced a truly priestly day, with the ordination of a large group of young people who received the seal of Christ, to dedicate themselves to the service of the Church.
This new meeting, here in the setting of the Moncada Seminary, comes to prolong the priestly moments experienced together in the Mass of La Alameda, on the priestly day of my trip to Spain.
The newly ordained priests, the priests and seminarians present, led me to think of the almost 23,000 diocesan priests and the 1,700 students of the major seminaries in Spain. You are here representing all of them. To these we should then add the 10,500 priests and 1,500 religious seminarians.
2. What great strength you have, in number and capacity, if you know how to renew every day the grace that has been or will be placed in you through the laying on of hands! The strength of Christ who has chosen you, who accompanies you, who wants to continue to cheer up your youth, who is your best friend, who perceives in your soul the love of a consecration to Him.
You are the beloved, the intimate ones of the Lord. In 20th century society, you are the first friends of Jesus on Spanish soil. Don't forget this reality when human tiredness, pain, loneliness or the misunderstanding of others threaten to take away your enthusiasm or sow doubt in your spirit.
3. I know well that the greatest temptation and greatest danger in your life can be that of discouragement, given that in today's secularized world the figure of the priest is sometimes not understood or taken into proper account.
But, within certain limits, this should not surprise you. How, in fact, could one understand, without a vision of faith, what has its foundation in the horizon of eternity? How can someone who starts from a different perspective appreciate you?
However, those who do not appreciate what you are are by no means the majority. There are so many people, families and groups waiting for what you can give: the word of salvation, the sacraments, the love of Christ, the orientation towards a more moral and human life. If you are authentic bearers of this gift, you will see how your life is fully realized in this mission.
4. I therefore encourage you to continue it with enthusiasm and a spirit of faith. With a vision full of hope and optimism. The one that flows from the security that, in the midst of difficulties, is with us Who understands us, helps us and gives value to every effort made for Him.
In raising my arms to bless you, I wish to widen them to embrace everyone, as father and brother. To pray to our common Mother, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, to make us faithful friends of the faithful Friend . So be it.
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