Pope Francis sent a message to the participants in the annual seminar and general assembly of the Movement of Christian Workers of Europe, which gathered in Spain, July 12-15, in the Teresian-Saint John International Center (CITES) of the Diocese of Avila.
The seminar was held for the second consecutive year in the city of Avila. On this occasion, it focused on the situation being experienced at the European level regarding decent work and the alarming increase in the precariousness of the whole continent.
In the message, sent through his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope stresses that a person’s dignity is very related to three realities: “Land, Roof and Work,” which express the human being’s essential need to feel rooted in the world, in a family, in society.
Here is a Zenit working translation of the text of the message:
On the occasion of the International Meeting of the Worldwide Movements of Christian Workers, being held in Avila, Pope Francis greets all the delegates present and joins them with joy and thanksgiving for these 50 years of clear presence in the world of work and of walking alongside so many brother workers, sharing their joys and hope, happiness and sorrows.
The motto of the new meeting is “Land, Roof and Work” for a Dignified Life. In fact, a person’s dignity is very linked to these three realities, which express a fundamental experience for the human being, which is to feel rooted in the world, in a family, in the society.
“Land, Roof and Work” means to struggle so that everyone lives in keeping with his dignity and no one is discarded.
We are encouraged by our faith in God, Who sent His Son to the world to share here the history of his people, living in a family and working with His hands so that He could redeem and save humanity with His Death and Resurrection.
Therefore, the Holy Father exhorted the participants to persevere with renewed impetus in their efforts to bring the Gospel to the world of work and also to have the voice of workers continue to resonate within the Church with these desires.
Invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary, He asked that they not to cease to pray for him and imparted to them the implored Apostolic Blessing.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness
Vatican, July 11, 2017
