Pope Francis: ‘I’m excited to
return to Ireland’
Pope Francis sends a video message to the people of Ireland
in view of his Apostolic Visit at the weekend for the World Meeting of
Families, saying in broken English, “I’m exciting to think I’ll come back to
Ireland!”
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
“I’m exciting to think I’ll come back to Ireland!” Pope
Francis declares in a video message published on Tuesday evening. In the video,
the Pope affectionately greets all the people of Ireland just a few days before
his Apostolic Journey there in which he will take part in the World Meeting of
Families (WMOF)
Celebrating the family
The Pope calls the WMOF a “celebration of the beauty of
God’s plan for the family”. It is also, he says,
an opportunity for families from all over the world to
meet and support each other in living out their special vocation.
Family’s essential role
He then recognizes challenges families face in their
vocation to “incarnate faithful love, raise children with healthy values”, and
to be “leaven of goodness, love, and mutual care”.
The Pope then says that he hopes that the WMOF will be a
“source of renewed encouragement” for families. He reminds us that the family
plays an essential role in creating a “better future for young people”. That
future is built both on the present and the past as well — “the young and
grandparents”, he says.
Pope’s desires
Pope Francis expresses the desire to “embrace all members of
Irish families”, during his upcoming Apostolic Journey. He hopes it will
“increase unity and reconciliation” and be a sign of that peace “which is God’s
dream for the whole human family”. He then thanks all those who are
preparing for his visit, and asks for prayers so that his visit will be one of
joy and serenity, “a caress of Jesus’ tender love”. He concludes asking for
prayers for himself and giving his heartfelt blessing.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét