During Pope Francis’ Regina Coeli address, Francis drew the world’s attention to the ‘zealous pastor’ and martyr, Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was beatified yesterday in El Salvador.
After celebrating Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica, at noon Pope Francis greeted the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, reminding them of how two religious are getting closer to sainthood.
“In El Salvador and Kenya, an archbishop and a nun were beatified,” the Pope said, noting the first was Archbishop of San Salvador Oscar Romero, killed in odium fide (‘Latin for ‘hatred of the faith’), while he was celebrating the Eucharist. “This zealous pastor, following the example of Jesus, chose to be among his people, especially the poor and the oppressed, even when it cost him his life,” Francis said.
The Argentine Pontiff also remembered, Italian Sister Irene Stefani of the Consolata Missionaries who served the Kenyan people, “with joy, mercy and tender compassion.”
“The heroic example of these blesseds,” the Pope said, “inspires in each of us to have the fervent desire to witness to the Gospel with courage and self-sacrifice.”
The Pope also launched an appeal for the migrants in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in Southeast Asia. Since May 10th, more than 3,600 people have come ashore in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and thousands more are reported to be trapped at sea.
After expressing his appreciation for the efforts being made by those countries that have expressed a willingness to welcome those people who face suffering, the Pontiff launched an appeal: “I encourage the international community to provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance.”
Church as Mother
In his address, the Pontiff stressed how the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, enabling them to escape their fear and start their mission.
“This is our mission!” he said. “We too are given the gift of the ‘language’ of the Gospel and the ‘fire’ of the Holy Spirit, in order for us to proclaim the risen Jesus, alive and present in our midst, and warm the hearts of people, bringing them closer to Him, the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
The Holy Father concluded, wishing everyone a good Pentecost Sunday, lunch, and reminding them to pray for him.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Translation: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-francis-regina-coeli-address-on-pentecost-sunday
