He entered my house, smiling broadly. He immediately blessed it, saying “Peace to this house.”

Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, a Capuchin Franciscan friar and the Papal preacher to two Popes was in my house to have dinner with us, the Archdiocesan CaFE Promotion Team (ACPT). Amazing and totally unexpected!

Fr Cantalamessa looked very tired. He had spent the previous ten days preaching retreats to the many priests of the Philippines, Sabah and Singapore. Yet, when he was introduced to everyone, his eyes shone with the joy and peace of Christ. His manner and words were kind and friendly. After enjoying a dinner of local dishes, he answered the questions we posed to him. Despite being such a very learned man, he spoke simply and to the point. His answers were interwoven with sound and practical spiritual comments and advice.

When facing discouragement in ministry, he advised us to stay calm, to focus on doing our best always and leave it all to the Lord. When we mentioned that we are always challenged and moved by his talks in the CaFE DVDs, he humbly remarked that his words are mere words. It is the Holy Spirit that moves and changes us. He advised us to remain open to the Holy Spirit always. We felt so close to him that some of us sat on the floor, just to be near him and listen to his words. Later he autographed his books and DVDs. Fr Cantalamessa obligingly posed for photos with us; even asking me to email the photos to him. There were moments of jokes and laughter. He seemed to enjoy his time of fellowship with us. Before leaving, we prayed the “Our Father” together and he gave us a blessing.

Around 10.45pm, four of us were at the airport to send him off, back to Rome. His last words of prayer for me carried a very special blessing. Soon it was time for hugs and goodbyes. Etched in my memory is the picture of a very holy priest, dressed in a black suit, pulling along a black luggage bag. His snowy white beard and hair stood in marked contrast to all that blackness. During the few hours I had spent with him, he had naturally radiated the loving presence of Christ, through his own human presence. As I watched the retreating figure merge into the crowd of travelers, I felt sad. Will we ever meet Fr Cantalamessa again?………. Only the Spirit knows the answer.

Reflecting on Fr Cantalamessa’s visit with us, I praise and thank God for the blessed gift of his presence and the encouragement he gave us. His visit was a timely reminder to me, to frequently pray for the infilling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so that I can grow more and more into the image and likeness of my dear heavenly Father.

-Article contributed by Gwen Pinto

-Photo by Ginnie Ang

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