28 April 1983
Rome, Italy

The Acts of the Apostles is a book which is full of incidents of deep human interest. The opening phrase of the first reading of this evening's Mass is one such. Paul, Barnabas and John Mark had reached Perga and it was there that, to quote St. Luke, "John Mark left them to go back to Jerusalem." (Acts 13:13). What reason John Mark had for leaving them we do not know. It has been suggested that, as Paul was intent upon advancing into very difficult, mountainous country, John Mark did not feel up to it and decided that it would be better for him to return to his own country. Or again it has been suggested that perhaps John Mark just felt homesick and did not have the stamina which was needed, and which Paul had, to face an unknown situation that called for much physical and moral strength.

This evening we are happy to have Father Richardson here with us in the Curia and to join with him in thanking God for fifty years of his priesthood. I know that Father Richardson would like me to dwell upon the theme of thanksgiving for the millions of graces which he has received during that time. During the coming weeks he will look back gratefully on his first three years of priesthood here in Rome, when he studied, like so many of you, in one of the Roman universities. He will look back gratefully, too, on his twenty years of work in the formation of future priests for our own Community and for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He will recall with gratitude his years as Vice-Visitor in Los Angeles until his election as St. Vincent's twentieth successor in 1968. He will feel especially grateful for the innumerable graces bestowed on him during the years when as Superior General he guided the two Communities of St. Vincent towards a greater realization of their vocation to serve Christ in the poor. With him, Father Richardson would like us to say over and over again the response of today's psalm: "I will sing forever of your love, O Lord." (Ps 89:2).

What I would like to dwell on this evening and in the context of the first reading is Father Richardson's courage which prompted him to offer himself for the mission in Kenya. Perhaps St. Vincent would prefer me to use the word zeal instead of courage. Like St. Paul, Father Richardson had the zeal to face an unknown world, far from his own nation, and to dedicate himself to the work of the formation of future priests, a work which, in St. Vincent's view, could not be more noble. Far from seeking an honorable retirement on the occasion of his Jubilee, he intends to return once again to Kenya to resume his work of leaving a number of successors behind him in the priesthood in a continent that we know was very dear to the heart of St. Vincent.

When St. Paul and his companions had penetrated into the mountainous country of Turkey and reached Antioch, the presidents of the synagogue sent a message to Paul: "Brothers, if you would like to address some words of encouragement to the congregation, please do so." (Acts 13:15). Father Richardson, you do not have to speak one word here this evening. Your presence is an encouragement to us all. Your life is an encouragement for us to live the ideals of St. Vincent: of lifelong fidelity to the priesthood, of detachment of heart, of love for the Community and of zeal for souls.