Archbishop Cavalli celebrated Mass for Benedict XVI: He understood his mission and fulfilled it

date: 05.01.2023.

Holy Mass for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was celebrated tonight, January 5 at 6 pm in the church of St.  James in Medjugorje.  The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the parish of Medjugorje, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, with the concelebration of Medjugorje parish priest Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić and 13 other priests, and the Eucharistic celebration was preceded, as every evening, by the prayer of the Rosary led by Fr. Marin Mikulić.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was buried today in Rome, and the Church around the world was united in praying for his soul.  We will now join those prayers by presenting this Eucharist for him,'' Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić said at the beginning of the Holy Mass celebration.

In his homily, Archbishop Cavalli described the encounter from today's Gospel in which Jesus finds and invites Philip to follow him.

"Following Jesus means, in particular, making two decisions," said Msgr. Cavalli, and that is to understand the mission we have in life and to develop gifted talents in order to achieve that mission.  Philip then finds Nathanael, tells him about Jesus and tells him: "Come and see", "which means: personally experience meeting Jesus".

"Jesus meets Nathanael and after the conversation, he clarifies for him and for all of us his true identity and origin: the sky opens and the angels of God depart from him, from Jesus, and go towards God", said Archbishop Cavalli, emphasizing that this what is shown in the Gospel came true in Pope Benedict.

"Jesus met him and said to him: 'Follow me.'  Pope Benedict understood well the mission that the Lord gave him in the role of pastor and theologian, until his election as Pope.  Pope Benedict accomplished the mission entrusted to him, faithfully using the talents he received. Pope Benedict personally experienced an encounter with Jesus, and he went from Him to understand and reach God. 'You are worthy, good and faithful servant!  You were faithful in a little, I will set you over many!  Enter the joy of your master!' (Mt 25, 21).

God bless him for everything he did on this earth, receiving him in his paradise,'' Archbishop Aldo Cavalli said at the end of his homily, and then he remained in silence with the faithful for a few moments.