Personal History

We mustn’t forget that each one of us carries the richness and burdens of our personal history; this is what distinguishes us from everyone else.
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Our lives, with their joys and sorrows, are unique and unrepeatable.  They flow under the merciful gaze of God.  This uniqueness requires—particularly of priests—a careful, profound, and farsighted spiritual discernment.  Everyone—no matter who they are or where they are in life—should feel accepted by God, should feel that they can actively participate in community life.  Anyone can be one of the people of God who journey tirelessly toward the fullness of his kingdom of justice, love, forgiveness, and mercy.

– Misericordia et Misera 14, by Pope Francis (pub. in Happiness in This Life)