The Joy of Sharing the Gospel: Pope Francis Encourages Congrès Mission Delegation
Meeting a delegation from the French missionary forum Congrès Mission, Pope Francis encourages them to share the joy of the Gospel with courage and creativity to restore hope in a broken world.
By Lisa Zengarini
“Never fear ‘to go out’ to the world where men and women live their joys and sorrows and allow yourselves to be shaken by the Holy Spirit who spurs us to announce the joy and hope of the Gospel with creativity,” Pope Francis offered this strong encouragement as he addressed some fifty coordinators of the Congrès Mission on Friday. This missionary initiative spearheaded by several French Catholic movements aims to revitalize evangelization in France.
The forum organizes an annual event bringing together thousands of Christians from across the country to pray, share, and reflect on how to best proclaim the Gospel in today’s secularized society.
The world desperately needs the Christian message of hope
Pope Francis commended Congrès Mission for their faithful commitment to the service of the Gospel, which he described as a source of light and hope in a world that so desperately needs it. He emphasized the inseparable connection between joy, hope, and mission, stating that joy arises from a personal encounter with Christ and directs us towards our brothers and sisters.
Christ is our hope which we must share with others, urged Pope Francis, acknowledging that hope is often tested in a world marked by conflict and injustices. He highlighted the Christian certainty that Christ is our hope, a gift to be shared and a light to be passed on.
Inspire young people, the first “pilgrims of hope”
Pope Francis invited Congrès Mission to inspire young people, helping them grow in faith, make courageous choices, and become missionary disciples of Jesus. He encouraged them to dream of a more fraternal world and become artisans of hope in their communities.
Communion is a powerful witness to the world
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of communion among the members of Congrès Mission, stating that unity is a powerful witness to the world. He urged them to take care of one another, support each other, and rejoice together in the fruits of their commitment.
Concluding, Pope Francis expressed his prayer that the upcoming gathering in November may be a time of joy, conversion, and renewal for the Church in France.
