Pope Francis once again celebrates this Mass with thousands of religious men and women from around the world.
The feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple shares the celebration with World Day for Consecrated Life. The pope, on top of being a religious person himself, has taken the opportunity on this day to underline the importance of religious vocations in the Church.
POPE FRANCIS
Feb. 2, 2017
“To put ourselves with Jesus in the midst of his people! Not as religious 'activists,' but as men and women who are constantly forgiven, men and women anointed in baptism and sent to share that anointing and the consolation of God with everyone.”
As a Jesuit, Pope Francis knows the temptations that complicate community life. That's why he speaks clearly to religious men and women when he meets with them.
POPE FRANCIS
Nov. 7, 2014
“Sometimes you will come to blows, but that is not a problem. That is better than the terrorism of gossip.”
POPE FRANCIS
Feb. 1, 2016
“If you want to say something against a brother or sister, or launch a 'gossip bomb,' bite your tongue! Hard!”
Although the pope speaks of blows, he prefers tenderness. That's what he demonstrated with these gestures and his admiration for elderly religious who dedicate their lives to God, like these two he met in Morocco... Or toward religious who have suffered persecution, like those he met in Albania.
This affection is mutual. All it takes to see that is the gesture of these cloistered nuns from Naples. They couldn't keep themselves from throwing aside all formalities and running to meet Pope Francis.
Ángeles Conde.
Translation: Claudia Torres
