Pope Francis Calls for Spiritual Renewal and Joyful Expectation in Corsica
On his one-day journey to Corsica, Pope Francis presided over Holy Mass in Ajaccio’s Place d’Austerlitz, marking the final public event of his 47th Apostolic Journey abroad. In his homily, the Pope emphasized the importance of spiritual renewal and joyful expectation of Christ’s coming.
Reflecting on John the Baptist’s proclamation of the Messiah, Pope Francis urged the faithful to prepare for the Lord’s arrival with humility, hope, and acts of charity. He highlighted the question posed by the crowd to John the Baptist, “What then should we do?”, as a call to reflect on one’s actions and attitudes in anticipation of Christ’s coming.
The Pope emphasized that the message of the Gospel is open to all, regardless of past failings, inviting everyone to seek transformation and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. He spoke of two contrasting ways of waiting for the Messiah: one with suspicion rooted in anxiety and distrust, and the other with joyful expectation grounded in faith and prayer.
The Work of the Local Community
Pope Francis commended the charitable actions of the local community of Ajaccio, particularly the Confraternities, for enriching the Church’s life through their devotion and service to the needy. He encouraged the faithful to continue serving others and embodying the joyful spirit of Christ through acts of mercy.
As the Advent season progresses, the Pope urged the faithful to cultivate peace and hope, especially for young people preparing for Baptism and the sacraments. He emphasized that joy is the essence of the Church’s proclamation, bringing the light of Christ into a world in need.
The Joy of Christ Amid Every Affliction
Despite the challenges facing the world, including poverty, wars, corruption, and violence, Pope Francis reminded the faithful of the unshakable hope found in the word of God. He emphasized that the presence of the Lord provides strength to work for peace and justice, and that joy in Christ remains a constant source of hope and comfort in times of affliction.
As the Mass concluded, Pope Francis extended a special call to care for the elderly and the young, acknowledging the wisdom of the elderly and the struggles of children in conflict zones. He emphasized the importance of bringing the joy of Christ to all, even in the midst of suffering and hardship.
Overall, Pope Francis’s message in Corsica resonated with the themes of spiritual renewal, joyful expectation, and unwavering hope in the face of adversity, inviting the faithful to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s coming with open hearts and minds.