Angelo Roncalli Informative Speech

We are gathered in communion today to celebrate the life and eternal memory of one of the greatest popes of our time. We gather today not only to grieve the loss of the good pope and light of the church but to also praise the work Angelo Roncalli has accomplished throughout his life. I am honored and touched to share the memory of a wonderful life and an unforgettable man with you all today. Through the grief, we can remember John XXIII through his contributions to the growing and changing church today. For those of you who do not know me personally, I am Sr. Emma, a prior student of his and also part of his staff as pope. I was invited by John along with a few of my fellow sisters of Bergamo to work as his housekeeping staff during his reign
as the pope. I grew up studying under Roncalli and looking up to him as one of my greatest role models.
Though I may have been one of his many students, I was always welcomed like family. Through his classes he taught, lectures he delivered, and mass he said daily, “Roncalli was always in demand”(Treece 31). There was never a dull moment around the “outstanding priest”(Treece 31). I always remember coming to class and seeing the smiling face of Roncalli in the front of the room. He had a gift for remembering and interpreting theology and a bubbling motivation to teach as much information as he could in a single lecture. I remember speaking with him about how he managed his busy schedule, and although he was worn to the breaking point at times, he responded by “putting on a brave face to be a light to those around him” (Treece 34). And a light he truly was. Angelo always believed it “was better to be merry than melancholy”(Treece 18). It was difficult to be sad around Roncalli with his bright smile that lit the corridors. I remember walking the halls of the school and always seeing Professor Roncalli talking with someone about anything he could start a conversation with. Was there ever a time he didn’t speak his
mind? His outgoing nature, honesty, draw to being with others, and friendliness toward others made him well known throughout the school.
Sometimes, Angelo took part in heated debates with fellow professors and even students to deepen his understanding of church dogmas and doctrines. He often questioned the church and its participation with the clergy. He strived to learn as many perspectives as possible to make sure he understood all sides of the story. Roncalli’s bubbling personality was always active around the church and seminary corridors.
Throughout his life, it was predicted that Roncalli was destined to do outstanding things, and their assumptions were correct. I remember Roncalli telling me that as a young child, his family called “the sweet-tempered child a little priest” (Treece 1). Everyone around him predicted great things from this tiny leader. His sweet spirit and draw toward his vocation lead him toward a life of service to Christ. His leadership in the church was always for Christ and his vocation. I remember Roncalli telling me about his time served in World War I risking his life in a sickroom. I wondered why he turned down government recognition for his work, and he told me that “nothing he had done was for the
government” (Treece 48). Christ was the center and focus of his work throughout the church and the world. As a priest, he was known as “the bishops shadow” and was known by everyone in the diocese for his drive to learn and kindness toward all (Treece 63). He brought joy and a new spirit all across the diocese. I remember watching Roncalli grow in ranks in the church by becoming a bishop in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece. He opened the church in these times to so many areas that had never heard the Word. Angelo was like the light of Christ on the Earth and spread the message of evangelization across Europe. While spreading the word, Angelo was known as a beacon of charity to those less fortunate than he was. He grew up in a poor family and struggled as a child to receive daily rations. Although having the option to live a wealthy life, Roncalli often donated most of his earnings to better serve those struggling around him. His simplistic and modest lifestyle will always be held in reverence in the church and the communities where he led. After leading many diocese and communities as priest, bishop, and cardinal, his biggest accomplishment in his life was being elected pope. Through his reign as pope, he let go of the strict interpretation of the laws and let his loose governing lead him to change. He kept an open mind about laws, doctrines, and dogmas so he could better lead the church and hold an open mind to receive opinions. John XXIII was always around the people and encouraged them to follow their call to the vocation and their call to Christ. Roncalli “opened the doors to the new church” and is most noted for “bringing the church to the people” during Vatican Council II (Treece 160). It is through this council that we saw the leader in John. I remember him talking to me during the council, stating that this is all for the “greater good of the church and the mission of Christ” (Treece 177). He could have taken all the credit for his great works, but it all circled around to Christ’s mission for his life on earth. As we look back on the life of the leader, friend, and mentor that was Angelo Roncalli, we see his impact on the changing church around us. Although he is not here today, we carry his legacy on as the light of Christ on earth. As Angelo would have wanted, we must carry Christ in our hearts and devote our life to His mission for us. John XXIII will live on as one of the greatest leaders of the church as we look back on the past but also look forward to the future of possibilities.