Following is a
summary of Archbishop De Andrea's homily:
"Through the
years, the Lord sustained me," the archbishop stated, "He lifted me up when I faltered. To
Him and to Him only be glory! In commemorating the anniversary of an
individual priest, we are at the same time remembering and
celebrating the ministerial priesthood itself, that priesthood given
to the Church by Jesus Christ the real high priest, the true
Pontifex - bridge builder between God and man. By Baptism, we
are incorporated with Christ and by Baptism and Confirmation, we are
all called to share in the mission of Christ as bridge builders for
our own sake and also for the salvation of others. Some of us have
been called to the ministerial priesthood from among you, not
because we are better, but to be in total service for others, to
share the Word of God with you and to celebrate the Eucharist."
"Looking back
to the past, fifty years ago," he continued, " one cannot but remember with great
affection and gratitude so many people that contributed to my life
in a meaningful way. To my parents I owe much, not only for the life they
gave me, but also for the faith and the willingness to serve. God
asked them for a big sacrifice when they gave my brother and myself
to the priesthood. To His Holiness Pope John Paul II, I am deeply
thankful for my past assignments and for entrusting me now with this
great responsibility to be his representative. Even more, I feel
privileged to pronounce his name every day at the liturgy of the Mass
during the last twenty-five years which is exactly half
the number of years of my life as a priest. I also remember today
with appreciation, the priests, sisters and teachers who shaped my
life and vocation in the many institutions where I have studied and
also in the seminary."
"Looking at the
present and my assignment as papal representative of bringing the
'Good News' to the ends of the earth is just another way of total
surrender to God and the Church and unconditional obedience to the
Holy Father. We can only be one in Christ and we must be wary
of any situation or circumstance that might divide us. In that case,
we will be removing ourselves from the centre which is our Lord
Jesus. In the call to oneness, there is no "me" or "they". In the
Church, there is only "we" and "us" because there is only one God,
one Church."
Addressing the youth in particular,
Archbishop De Andrea said, "It is not
enough to look at the past and the present, we must also look to the
future. We can, during the Mass this evening, ask the Lord for
vocations to the priesthood and religious life from this community
of the faithful - vibrant, generous young men and women who will
dedicate their lives in the service of God and others. Believe me,
it is worth the gamble. I promise every young man and woman that
there is no better choice than this. Above all, I can promise you
God's fatherly and infinite love."
At the close of his homily,
the archbishop said, "Receive my
thanks tonight and I pray that each of us may be filled with God's
blessings of peace for ourselves, for our families and for every
nation of the world. Peace be with all of you, with us. Amen."
Before the end
of the service, Bishop Micallef read to the congregation the
Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father to Archbishop De Andrea on the
occasion of his Golden Jubilee.
Archbishop De Andrea then imparted the Apostolic Blessing with
attached plenary indulgence.
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The late
evening took on a festive note with a community celebration for the
Archbishop in the Parish Hall. The community felicitated Archbishop
De Andrea with a plaque and floral tributes. The choirs rendered
songs in Arabic, Italian and English. Later, Archbishop De Andrea
cut the anniversary cake while the choir sang "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" amidst cheers from
the gathering. Cake and soft drinks were served to all those
present.
**********************
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL, KUWAIT CITY, 11 JUNE 2003
