Cardinal Roberto Repole, the Archbishop of Torino, delivered poignant reflections during his Christmas press conference on December 23, 2023, emphasizing the need for silence amid the holiday season's rush. The conference took place at the Archdiocese of Torino, where the cardinal urged attendees to find depth and meaning beyond the consumerism typical of modern Christmas celebrations.
"Serve un profondo silenzio," Repole stated, introducing his theme of silence. He expressed concern over the frenetic pace many people experience during the lead-up to Christmas, noting how it often leads to feelings of emptiness. "Mi sembra che vivremmo di più il Natale quanto più ci allontaniamo dal Natale consumistico," he remarked, drawing attention to the need for moments of quiet reflection as families prepare for the holiday.
Echoing the sentiments found within the Book of Wisdom, Repole highlighted how silence allows individuals, especially during this festive period, to confront the pervasive loneliness many experience. He shared heartfelt thoughts about the elderly, the sick, and particularly the incarcerated population, reitering the importance of recognizing these often-overlooked segments of society.
The cardinal recently visited local prisons and reflected on the challenges faced by prisoners, acknowledging their existence as "un carcere molto popoloso qui a Torino but seems like a reality estranea alla città." He observed how media attention typically flares only during tragic events, leaving the everyday struggles of those inside prisons silenced. Repole believed deep contemplation could shed light on these issues, allowing the community to acknowledge the struggles of not just the incarcerated but those bearing burdens of anxiety about life outside.
Repole's thoughts extended to the broader societal anxieties, particularly among the youth of Torino. He touched on fears ranging from conflict and economic instability to personal impoverishment, bringing up alarming reports from charitable organizations about workers falling through the cracks. "La paura dell'impoverimento: i nostri rapporti Caritas sono inquietanti," Repole cautioned. He addressed the alienation many feel as technology and bureaucratic systems continue to complicate access to health care and support.
Closing his address, Repole made a heartfelt appeal to the media, encouraging journalists to utilize silence to discover and convey meaningful narratives devoid of the sensationalism prevalent in today’s media landscapes. "Dal silenzio possono sgorgare parole vere e ancora sensate," he urged, illustrating how reflection can lead to truth rather than noise.
On Christmas Day, Cardinal Repole intends to celebrate Mass, followed by visiting the Community of Sant'Egidio, reaffirming his commitment to serving others during this significant season. He will first officiate at the Christmas Eve Mass at Susa, the diocese of which he is bishop, before returning to Torino for the holiday festivities.
The messages from Cardinal Repole resonate deeply, reminding the community to embrace silence and reflection as tools for recognizing loneliness and fostering connection among the city's diverse population. This Christmas, the call to look beyond the commercial aspects of the holiday could serve as not just advice but as a necessary path toward communal healing and solidarity.
