St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. On June 28, 2018, Pope Francis elevated our former Superior General, Msgr. Aquilino Bocos Merino, CMF, Titular Archbishop of Urusi, to Cardinal Deacon of Santa Lucia del Gonfalone. Together with him are the other Cardinals created today by the Supreme Pontiff who received their individual biretta, ecclesiastical episcopal ring, and their respective office.
During the celebration, Pope Francis invited them to eliminate vain and self-centered discussion in the Church, in order to further the interests of the Father. They have to follow Jesus for it is he who gave us this principle to eliminate vain and self-centered discussions from the community of disciples in order to bring out the best in their hearts. They are to refocus their hearts and have a converted heart because conversion allows the Church to seek the Father’s interest rather than personal. And lastly, he remind them that Jesus is in the lead and they have to render their service to Christ in God’s faithful people.
Some Claretian Bishops and members of the Congregation also attended the consistory to witness and join our brother Aquilino in this particular moment of his life and in this particular time in the history of our Congregation.
CLICK HERE for the Homily of Pope Francis
