Some excerpts from His Holiness Pope Francis’ farewell speech
before departing the United States of America for Rome:
“My days with you have been brief. But they have been days of
great grace for me and, I pray, for you too. Please know that as I prepare to
leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope….
I pray that our days of
prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society
will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church
as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face.…
It was particularly moving for me to canonize Saint Junípero
Serra, who reminds us all of our call to be missionary disciples, and I was
also very moved to stand with my brothers and sisters of other religions at
Ground Zero, that place which speaks so powerfully of the mystery of evil. Yet
we know with certainty that evil never has the last word, and that, in God’s
merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all….
This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and
opportunities. I pray that you may all be good and generous stewards of the
human and material resources entrusted to you. I thank the Lord that I was able
to witness the faith of God’s people in this country, as manifested in our
moments of prayer together and evidenced in so many works of charity.
Jesus says in the Scriptures: “Truly, I say to you, as you did
it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”. Your care for
me and your generous welcome are a sign of your love for Jesus and your
faithfulness to him. So too is your care for the poor, the sick, the homeless
and the immigrant, your defense of life at every stage, and your concern for
family life. In all of this, you recognize that Jesus is in your midst and that
your care for one another is care for Jesus himself.
May our days together bear fruit that will last, generosity and
care for others that will endure! Just as we have received so much from God –
gifts freely given us, and not of our own making – so let us freely give to
others in return.
Dear friends, I embrace all of you in the Lord and I entrust you
to the maternal care of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States. I will
pray for you and your families, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. May God
bless you all. God bless America!”
For the complete text, please visit: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-concludes-visit-to-usa-and-leaves-for
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