Welcome to our blog! On Sunday, December 15, a special gathering took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Corsica. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians came together to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis during his one-day apostolic visit to the French island. The Pope expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their dedication despite the challenges they face on a daily basis.
One of the challenges mentioned by Pope Francis is the difficulty of spreading the Gospel in Europe, where resources are limited, the number of faithful is small, and society often shows indifference. However, the Pope sees this “poverty” as a blessing, as it reminds us that success does not depend solely on our own efforts. He emphasized the importance of focusing on God rather than on ourselves, as this humility allows us to keep our eyes on Christ, who works through us.
The Pope encouraged everyone present to reflect on how they are living out their priesthood, consecration, and life as disciples. He highlighted the importance of self-care and caring for others. Pope Francis explained that religious vocation is not a one-time commitment but a continuous renewal that requires participation in the Eucharist and moments of silence. He also emphasized the need for balance in life to prevent burnout, suggesting that rest, dialogue, personal interests, and fraternity are essential.
When it comes to serving others, Pope Francis quoted St. Paul, who was willing to give himself for the sake of others. He emphasized the need for faith, creativity, and courage in evangelization, urging a review of old methods and the adoption of new ways to connect with people. Above all, he stressed the importance of creating meaningful encounters by bringing the hope of Christ to those in need, the lost, and those searching for purpose. This requires embracing compassion and forgiveness, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Thank you for reading this inspiring message from the Pope. Stay tuned for more updates!
