- Carol Glatz, Ostia Lido, Italy (CNS)
“This is the first visit to a parish in my new diocese. I am very happy to start here, in Ostia (16 miles from Rome). Moreover, in a parish that bears the name of St. Mary Queen of Peace, so important in these times in which we are living.” This is how the Pope expressed himself during the visit, during which he offered some advice,
Although it was his first visit to Ostia as pope, he had been to the area many times as an Augustinian friar, due to the port city's close connection to the history of St. Augustine and, especially, his mother, St. Monica, who died there in 387.
In the homily During the Mass, Pope Leo emphasized the need to convert the heart so that there may be peace in the world. In addition, he suggested some points in a meeting, at the request of the pastor.
1- An authentic Christian community knows welcome with sincerity and joy all: Catholics, non-Catholics and people of no faith at all, Pope Leo XIV affirmed. “A true parish” is where “we all learn to say ‘welcome’, not just in words, but in a spirit of hospitality., opening the door and welcoming everyone.”, he said, speaking to members of the community.
2. The Pope encouraged the faithful to cultivate hearts that are humble, peaceful and open to Christ, because “the evil we see in the world has its roots precisely there, where the heart becomes cold, hard and lacking in mercy”.
3. I invite all of you, as a parish community, along with the other virtuous organizations that operate in these neighborhoods, to to continue to contribute generously and courageously to spread the good seed of the Gospel in their streets and homes.
“Spread respect and harmony!”
4. Do not resign yourselves to the culture of abuse and injustice. Instead, spread respect and harmony, starting by disassembling the language and then investing energy and resources in education, especially for children and youth.
5. That children and young people “learn honesty, acceptance and a love that transcends boundaries in the parish; that they learn to help not only those to whom they are due, and to greet not only those who greet them, but to approach everyone with freedom and liberty.
6. Learn coherence between faith and life, as Jesus teaches us when he says: “If you present your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go, first be reconciled to your brother, and then come back and present your offering." ( Mt 5,23-24).
7. The Pope reiterates the joy of “being here” and of “celebrating the Eucharist, where we all renew our faith in Christ”. “Jesus is alive with us and gives us this hope of living in peace, love and friendship,” he said. And precisely peace is the desire he offers to those present.
“Peace in families”.”
8. “May there be peace in our families, may the Lord bless all our families, all the families of this parish and may peace truly reign among us all”.
9. Addressing young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, Caritas volunteers and the people they serve, the Pope told those gathered that. “We are all part of this parish family and we all have something to say, something to give, something to share.”.
10. “May they have the courage to say ‘yes’ to the Lord!”he said. Then, addressing the members of the parish pastoral council, the Pope said to them. thanked them for the generosity with which they offered their time and talent, helping the local clergy, the Church and the faithful.
“I encourage them to go out and find others.”
11. However, “I also encourage them to go out and find others.”. “Don't stay inside the church saying, ‘Okay, those who come are enough.’ It is never enough. Invite, welcome, accompany.”, said Pope Leo.
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This information was originally published in OSV News. You can consult it here.
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