Isaiah 61.1-3a | 1 Corinthians 9.16-19 | John 15.9-17

On June 12th, the Church celebrates the liturgical memory of Saint Gaspar Bertoni, the founder of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

He was an Italian priest of the Diocese of Verona, who lived between the 18th and 19th centuries. After a long period of illness, Fr. Gaspar died a holy death at the age of about 76 and was canonized on November 1st, 1989, by Pope Saint John Paul II.

The founder of the Stigmatine Missionaries was a great apostle and educator of youth, an important preacher of retreats and popular missionary, with a strong love for the Eucharist, the Word of God, the Holy Cross, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, and the Church. Saint Gaspar Bertoni continues to inspire the lives of many people in many countries who identify with his charisma and spirituality.

Today the evangelist John tells us about Jesus' love for the disciples, His friends, to whom He chose, presented the Father's teachings and sent them to produce lasting fruits.

In the context of today's solemnity, it is worth remembering that Fr. Gaspar felt truly loved and chosen by Jesus as a disciple. Having learned the Father's teachings, Fr. Gaspar produced many lasting fruits as a priest, educator, preacher and missionary.

Jesus left the disciples His commandment of love, telling them that they should love one another as they were being loved by Him. The originality of Jesus' commandment was unconditional love, without measure. The disciples' reference was Jesus: they should keep His commandment to remain in His love just as He himself kept the Father's commandments and remained in the Father's love.

Fr. Gaspar, in his fraternal coexistence with the other Stigmatine missionaries, lived this unconditional love, keeping Jesus' commandment, which was His reference and inspiration.

Jesus said that there was no greater proof of love than to give one's life for one's friends, declaring that the disciples were His friends, and not mere servants. It is important to note that the context of this passage is Jesus' farewell during the Last Supper, on the eve of His crucifixion.

With his testimony and ministry, Fr. Gaspar imitated Jesus, giving his own life for the good of the faithful in general and of the Stigmatine missionaries in particular. He served everyone with love and dedication.

Contemplating Jesus and Saint Gaspar Bertoni, let us learn to live in love, in fraternal friendship, producing lasting fruits of good works and going out into the world to transmit the Father's teachings to all.

Today the prophet Isaiah speaks to us of the anointing by the Spirit of the Lord to perform works of mercy and proclaim the time of the Lord's grace, referring to the promised Messiah. It is important to note that this passage was used by Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry, as a life project (cf. Luke 4:18-19).

In the context of today's solemnity, it is worth remembering that Fr. Gaspar carried out many works of mercy for the poor, the sick, and the bereaved, in the context of the violent war between the French and the Austrians that was fought in Verona at that time. Furthermore, with his preaching, Fr. Gaspar brought the good news of hope to those who were suffering.

Contemplating Jesus and Saint Gaspar Bertoni, let us ask for the anointing by the Spirit of the Lord to carry out works of mercy and to proclaim the time of the Lord's grace, considering the needs of the present day.

Today, the Apostle Paul speaks to us in his first letter to the Corinthians about the urgency of preaching the Gospel for the salvation of many. In fact, Paul was a tireless preacher of the Gospel, particularly to non-Jews in the main cities of the Roman Empire. This was a task that Jesus had entrusted to him. It was a necessity for the apostle, who preached freely, with the sole desire of having a share in the Gospel. Paul freely became a slave to everyone in order to win as many people as possible for Christ.

In the context of today’s solemnity, it is worth remembering that Fr. Gaspar was passionate about Christ and the Gospel, becoming a highly qualified preacher, who was asked to lead retreats for many groups. During a popular mission in the Parish of Saint Firmus, the sermons of the young Fr. Gaspar were so successful and converted many hearts to Christ that he received the title of Apostolic Missionary from the Holy See. Fr. Gaspar was very intimate with the Word of God, which is why he was an excellent preacher.

Contemplating the apostle Paul and Saint Gaspar Bertoni, let us renew our commitment to the enthusiastic and creative preaching of the Gospel of salvation and life to all peoples, supported by the testimony of life and ecclesial communion. May the Word of God be our daily nourishment and a beacon to illuminate our path.

Congratulations to the Stigmatine missionaries in many countries around the world, who today celebrate the liturgical feast of their founder, Saint Gaspar Bertoni. May his life and mission be known in the Church and in the world, inspiring many hearts.