Welcome to the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians with Pope Francis!
Step into the world of courage, beauty, and hope as Pope Francis gathers the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, along with priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, and catechists at the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. Amidst challenges and struggles, the Pope urges these pastoral workers to embrace new beginnings, share the beauty of presence, and hold onto hope for the fruitfulness of their mission.
Written by Christopher Wells
Listening to heartfelt testimonies from various members of the ministry, Pope Francis delivers a message of encouragement and empowerment. Drawing inspiration from the story of St. John Bosco, who was promised great graces for his courageous act of building a church in honor of Mary, the Pontiff sets the tone for the gathering at the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians.
Reflecting on the missionary journey, Pope Francis praises the steadfast commitment of early missionaries who did not give up despite initial setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of starting afresh and reaching out to those on the peripheries, echoing the beauty of being present in the lives of others.
As the gathering continues, the Pope delves into the hope of growing, drawing parallels from the Old Testament patriarchs who bore fruit through faith. He encourages the pastoral workers to have confidence in the impact of their apostolate, no matter how small it may seem at the beginning.
In a resounding call to action, Pope Francis urges the pastoral workers to persevere in their mission, embodying courage, beauty, and hope as they spread the message of love and faith. As the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians serves as a backdrop for this transformative gathering, the Pope’s words resonate with a powerful reminder to embrace the journey with a spirit of resilience and optimism.
