“I would have liked to meet you on the occasion of your jubilee pilgrimage and express in person to you, missionaries of mercy, my gratitude and my encouragement”.
It is the message that Pope Francis, Still in convalescence in Santa Marta after returning from the Gemelli Polyclinic, he addressed to the priests, about 500, coming from all over the world, which this weekend celebrate their Jubilee in the Vatican.
The text of the message, dated 19 March, solemnity of San Giuseppe, is signed by the Gemelli Polyclinic, and was read by Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for evangelization, which on Saturday morning presided over the prayer of the Rosary at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican gardens together with the missionaries.
«Conversion and forgiveness – writes the Pope in the message to the priests dedicated in particular to the sacrament of the confession – These are the two caresses with which the Lord terches every tear from our eyes; These are the hands with which the Church embraces us sinners. Therefore, I encourage you, in your Ministry of Confessors, to be careful in listening, ready to welcome and constant in accompanying those who want to renew their life and return to the Lord “, adds Francesco,” with his mercy, in fact, God transforms us internally, changes our heart: the forgiveness of the Lord is a source of hope, because we can always count on him, in any situation. God made himself man to reveal to the world that never abandons us! I wish you a pilgrimage full of fruits and do not forget, please pray for me ».
While the convalescence continues in Santa Marta, the pontiff continues to work, albeit in reduced form. Will not be present at Jubilee of the sick, Sunday 6 April, When the Mass in St. Peter’s Square will be chaired by Monsignor Fisichella while for the rites of Holy and Easter Week, everything is still to be decided on any participation, and in what form, of Bergoglio.
On Friday evening the Pope telephoned the parish of Gaza. “It is always a blessing and a great joy “commented the parish priest of the Holy Family, Father Gabriel Romanelli. “One of our parishioners, a person who always comes here to pray, had written a very beautiful letter to him expressing our happiness for the fact that he had left the hospital and had returned to San Pietro, ensuring our prayers for him”. The Pope “thanked him and said that it is a great blessing that we are praying for him, for his intentions and throughout the Church”.
