Pope’s Powerful Message: Uproot the Unnecessary, Build on Timeless Foundations
- Pope Francis welcomed the participants of the pilgrimage of the Congregation of Tejene in St.
- On September 14, 1524, Saint Gaetano da Thiene and his early companions made a vow in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, marking the birth of the Order of...
- He noted that the basilica was once a construction site, and to embark on a journey of renewal, one must "build on the old foundations" while being willing...
Pope Francis Receives Pilgrims of the Congregation of Tejene on 500th Anniversary
Pope Francis welcomed the participants of the pilgrimage of the Congregation of Tejene in St. Peter’s Basilica, encouraging them to continue their journey “in renewal, communion and service.”
The Founding of the Order of Thiene
On September 14, 1524, Saint Gaetano da Thiene and his early companions made a vow in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marking the birth of the Order of Thiene (Chierici Regolari Teatini). This religious order promotes community life and the service of God through service to others, emulating the earliest apostolic communities.
Renewal on the Basis of the Old
Pope Francis reflected on the significance of St. Peter’s Basilica, where St. Gaetano da Thiene made his vow. He noted that the basilica was once a construction site, and to embark on a journey of renewal, one must “build on the old foundations” while being willing to dismantle what is no longer necessary.
Communion and Cooperation
The Pope emphasized the importance of communion, citing the example of St. Peter’s Basilica, where artists, craftsmen, and laborers worked together to create a new hall. He stressed that a warm home is not built alone, but through the joint effort of a community, appreciating the contribution of everyone.
Serving Each Other
Pope Francis reminded the pilgrims that to move forward, they must roll up their sleeves and work hard, serving each other with humility, good will, and a spirit of devotion and sacrifice. He cited the example of St. Gaetano da Thiene, who inspired many works of charity, and Jesus, who taught that true greatness lies in serving others.
The Church of God’s People
The Pope stressed that what is important is “us, individually and collectively.” He noted that St. Peter’s Basilica is a symbolic mark of the Church, built not with bricks and marble, but with living stones – the People of God.
“Five hundred years ago, your founders did not dedicate their lives to building sites of bricks and marble, but to living stones… The Bride of Christ, the People of God and the Body of the Lord, each of these, after centuries of dedication and devotion, has dedicated his life for the good of the Church, and now entrusts this work to you brave enough to move forward!”
Photogallery
Pope meets with the participants of the pilgrimage of the Priestly Congregation of Tyene