For over 20 minutes, Pope Francis made his way along St. Peter's Square in the popemobile, greeting thousands of pilgrims in his weekly general audience. He even stopped and chatted with this woman who was celebrating her birthday.
Since May 13th marks the 98th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, the Pope prayed before Our Lady before starting off.
In his catechesis, he focused on the family, reiterating the three phrases that should be said more often than not: May I? thank you and pardon me.
POPE FRANCIS
'Even our Lord knocks and asks for permission to come in. Let's not forget, before doing something with your family, ask: May I? Can I do this? Do you agree with this? They are educated words, but even more they're filled with love.â?
They are words that unite and foster respect, making the foundation of the family stronger. Part of that is not only being thankful, but actually showing it.
POPE FRANCIS
'Listen, a Christian that doesn't thank others is someone who has forgotten God's language. This is something ugly.â?
The Pope also added that when a person is stubborn and doesn't ask for forgiveness, quite seldom can that person forgive others. When spouses or even siblings get into disagreements or fights, the Pope says forgiveness must follow.
POPE FRANCIS
'The problem comes when this feeling lingers the following day. If you've fought, never go to sleep without making peace in your family. How should this be done? Do I have to get on my knees? No. A minor gesture will do. A little something. That's when harmony returns to the family.â?
To once again mark the day of Our Lady of Fatima, the Pope called on the thousands of pilgrims in the square to pray the Hail Mary together.
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