ANGELUS POPE FRANCIS
Salesian Centre - Baku
Sunday, 2 October 2016
Sunday, 2 October 2016
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| PHOTO: saltandlighttv.org |
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this Eucharistic celebration I have given thanks to
God with you, and also for you: here the faith, after the years of persecution,
has accomplished wonders. I wish to recall the many courageous Christians who
trusted in the Lord and were faithful in the face of adversity. As did Saint
John Paul II, I offer you the words of the Apostle Peter: “Honour to you who
believe” (1 Pt 2:7; Homily, Baku, 23 May 2002).
Our thoughts turn now to the Virgin Mary, who is
venerated in this country not only by Christians. To her we address the words
of the Angel Gabriel who brought her the good news of salvation, prepared for
humanity by God.
In the light that radiates from the maternal gaze of
Mary, I offer a warm greeting to you, dear faithful of Azerbaijan, as I
encourage each of you to witness joyfully to faith, hope and love, united among
yourselves and with your Pastors. I greet and thank in a particular way the
Salesian family, who take such good care of you and who promote various good
works, and the Missionary Sisters of Charity: continue with enthusiasm your
work in the service of all!
Let us entrust these intentions
to the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God and let us invoke her
protection upon your families, the sick and the elderly, and upon all those who
suffer in body or spirit.
[Angelus]
[Blessing]
Someone may think that the Pope
wastes so much time: travelling so many kilometres to visit a small community
of 700 people, in a country of 2 million. Yet it is a community which is not
uniform, because among you there are several languages spoken: Azeri, Italian,
Spanish… many languages. It is a community on the peripheries. But the Pope, in
this, imitates the Holy Spirit: he also descended from heaven to a small
community in that closed periphery of the Cenacle. And to that community, which
was fearful, felt poor and perhaps persecuted or rejected, the Holy Spirit
imparts fortitude, power, and bold eloquence to go forth and proclaim the name
of Jesus! And the doors of that community in Jerusalem, which were closed for
fear or shame, were thrust wide open releasing the power of the Spirit. The
Pope wastes time as the Holy Spirit did in those days!
Only two things are necessary:
Mary was among that community. Don’t forget our Mother! And in that community
resided charity, a fraternal love, which the Holy Spirit poured into their
hearts. Have
courage! Go ahead! Without fear, go ahead!
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