Francis Cardinal Arinze

Cardinal Arinze, retired Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

November 10, 2010

Tags: Donkey, Retreat, Priesthood, Benedict XVI, Christ Is Passing By "If any priest takes offense at this use of the figure of the donkey, then may I advise him to read the following remarks by Saint Josemaria Escriva:


Jesus makes do with a poor animal for a throne. I don't know about you; but I am not humiliated to acknowledge that in the Lord's eyes I am a beast of burden: "I am like a donkey in your presence, but I am continually with you. You hold my right hand," you take me by the bridle.

Try to remember what a donkey is like — now that so few of them are left. Not an old, stubborn, vicious one that would give you a kick when you least expected, but a young one with his ears up like antennae. He lives on a meagre diet, is hardworking and has a quick, cheerful trot. There are hundreds of animals more beautiful, more deft and strong. But it was a donkey Christ chose when he presented himself to the people as king in response to their acclamation. For Jesus has no time for calculations, for astuteness, for the cruelty of cold hearts, for attractive but empty beauty. What he likes is the cheerfulness of a young heart, a simple step, a natural voice, clean eyes, attention to his affectionate word of advice. That is how he reigns in the soul. (Christ is Passing By, no. 181)"

*Cardinal Francis Arinze grew up in Nigeria, became the youngest Bishop in the world, and was the first African Cardinal to head a Vatican office. He was the head of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

He preached the Holy Father’s 2009 retreat. Talking about the attitude of priests in their ministry, he quoted Saint Josemaria Escriva during one of his meditations, subsequently published in: "Meeting Jesus and Following Him: A Retreat given to Pope Benedict XVI and the Papal
Household". Ignatius Press, 2009.