A Seed Has Been Planted on Earth
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers in Christ, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza is now complete. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors from every corner of the world who have made this possible. This is the creation that Providence, with your help, has brought into being. I present it to you—admire it and join me in blessing the Lord our God.
A seed has been planted in the earth, and God will warm it with His rays of love. A new militia, forged in self-sacrifice and love, is about to rise for the glory of God and the solace of suffering souls and bodies.
Do not withhold your support—join us in this apostolate of relieving human suffering. Divine Charity, boundless and eternal, the very light of God and of Eternal Life, will store up for each of you a treasure of graces, the inheritance Jesus left us on the Cross.
This work, which you see today, is only at the beginning of its life. To grow and reach maturity, it requires nourishment and therefore once again appeals to your generosity. Let it not perish from want but flourish into a medical city equipped with the most advanced clinical technologies, while remaining a spiritual fortress of militant Franciscanism.
A place of prayer and science, where humanity may unite in Christ Crucified, as one flock under one shepherd.
We have taken a step forward on this journey. Let us not falter now but respond promptly to God’s call for the cause of good, each fulfilling their duty: I, in unceasing prayer as a humble and unworthy servant of our Lord Jesus Christ; you, with a burning desire to embrace all suffering humanity and present it with me to the mercy of our Heavenly Father; and you, through actions enlightened by Grace, marked by generosity, perseverance in goodness, and purity of intention.
Let us move forward with humility of spirit and hearts uplifted. May the Lord bless those who have worked, those who are working, and those who will work for this House. May He reward you and your families a thousandfold in this life and with eternal joy in the next.
May the Most Holy Virgin of Grace, our Seraphic Father Saint Francis in Heaven, and the Vicar of Christ, the Supreme Pontiff on Earth, intercede so that our prayers may be fulfilled.
