Solemnity of Assumption - August 15

Dear brothers and sisters, dear young Seminarians,

Today we celebrate our Blessed Mother Mary, who was assumed into heaven, body and soul. This great feast reminds us that our bodies are not just containers or temporary shells. We are created as whole persons — body, mind, and spirit — and God cares about every part of us.

Some people today think only physical fitness matters. But a wise person said, “A truly good life is like a three-legged stool — it stands strong only when physical, mental, and spiritual fitness are in balance.”

So, dear young priests and religious in formation, how is your spiritual fitness? Your religious fitness?

Let me take an example from sports: We admire Cristiano Ronaldo. At nearly 40 years old, he is still running with the best. While many former stars slow down, Rooney and Maradona were fat and with bellies. But Ronaldo continues to shine. How come?

It is because of self-discipline and constant formation — his training, diet, lifestyle, and mental strength. He never stops preparing.

In the Church and in our Guanellian Congregation, formation is our primary mission. We invest time, resources, and love to shape hearts for God. Even our Ratio dedicates many pages to formation stages — because we care about your future, and about the people you will serve.

1. Priority of Formation

Jesus Himself formed His disciples for three years —

• Spiritual formation: He taught them to pray
• Human formation: He taught the Beatitudes — to be humble, compassionate
• Pastoral formation: He sent them out two by two to serve and proclaim

In Matthew 7, Jesus calls us to build our house on a rock — a strong foundation that survives storms. This is not only for priests or preachers — every Christian needs formation.

So, do not compromise yourself.

• ➡ Give yourself fully to formation
• ➡ Learn the ways of prayer
• ➡ Grow in knowledge of the Church and the Congregation
• ➡ Avoid mediocrity — choose creativity, discipline, and holiness

Mary teaches us the same interior strength. In the Magnificat she says: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Lk 1:46) Mary doesn’t start with, “My mouth praises karaoke” or “My body dances zumba,” but with “My soul.” Praise begins from her soul, from the heart. Let God form your heart — so His Word can take root there. As our Ratio says: “By the Ways of the Heart.” We follow rules not out of force — but out of love and goodness.

Formation in the Guanellian family is life-long — not just initial training for priests, but also for collaborators, staff, and all our ministries.

2. Transmission of Charism & Mission

Grandparents pass on culture to children so that the family does not forget its identity. Without this transmission, we become rootless.

In the same way, we have received a precious charism from St. Louis Guanella —

• 💙 the family spirit
• 🙏 trust in Providence
• 🤝 care for the poor with a preventive and loving approach

This is not just history — this is our DNA. It is now our turn to preserve, live, and pass it on with joy and conviction.

3. Best Preparation for Mission

To serve the Guanellian mission in today’s world, we need:

• ✔ Pastoral professionalism
• ✔ Cultural awareness
• ✔ Skills suitable for our mission
• ✔ Formation that prepares us for practical charity

The world is waiting for men and women who are: spiritually strong, disciplined like athletes, compassionate like Mary and be rooted in charism and mission

On this feast of the Assumption, 

• Mary reminds us of our destination — heaven. 
• Formation reminds us of our journey — discipleship. 
• Charism reminds us of our identity — the Guanellian family.

Mary, assumed into heaven — pray for us!

St. Louis Guanella — pray for us!