To Our Venerable Brother
Cardinal of Holy Roman Church
Angelo Scola
Metropolitan Archbishop of Milan
Saint Abbot Columban, of Irish origin, who made himself a pilgrim for Christ, became an active
missionary in various European countries and founded several monasteries. After having
crossed the Alps he founded in Bobbio, in the old province of Liguria, a monastery, famous for
the fidelity to the rule and for its cultural activities. Here, after an active life rich of merits in
the service of the Church, he died a saintly death the 23rd November 615. Our illustrious
predecessor, Benedict XVI, has indicated him with good reason as one of the Fathers of
Europe, because he has given to this continent solid Christian foundations, and because still
nowadays he points to everyone the roots from which Europe can be reborn. (General
Audience, 11th June 2008).
We have then with joy welcome the news of the solemn Eucharist that soon will be celebrated
in Bobbio on the occasion of the 18th international Meeting of the Communities which refer to
Saint Columban, in the 1400th (fourteen hundredth) anniversary of the death of this great
monk.
For all these reasons Our Venerable Brother Giovanni Ambrosio, Bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio,
has kindly asked Us to send an Eminent Personality who could represent Us in Bobbio, showing
Our veneration towards Saint Columban and Our attention to his worshippers.
We have therefore thought of You, who lead with wisdom the Metropolitan Church of Milan,
Our Venerable Brother, and with this letter We appoint You to OUR ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY to
the Eucharistic celebration which will take place the next 30th August in Bobbio.
You will take on Our behalf the greeting to the Bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio and to the other
Bishops, priests, religious, men and women, who will gather there from the various European
countries. With your word you will invite the people present to a continuous imitation of Christ
and to observe in everyday life the divine precepts with growing conviction. Precisely, it is right
that everybody will be meditating these words of Saint Columban: “But he loves God who
observes His commands. (…) True love is not in word, but in deed and in truth. Therefore let
us restore to our God, our Father, His own image undefiled in holiness, since He is holy.”
(Sermon XI).
In the course of your mission, Venerable Brother, We will accompany you with Our prayers. In
the end we impart to You with pleasure the Apostolic blessing, as sign of Our kindness towards
you and as token of heavenly gifts, blessing that I heartily extend to those who will take part
to the celebration. At the same time I ask you all for particular prayers, so that We can fulfil
with care the demanding Petrine ministry according to the will of God.
From the Vatican, 23rd July 2015, third of my Pontificate.
Francis