(ZENIT News / Rome, 06.06.2024).- The “School of Prayer” with Pope Francis, in preparation for the Jubilee 2025, continued with a third appointment.
On Thursday afternoon, June 6, the Holy Father, accompanied by Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, met with some 30 families of a condominium of the parish community of Saint Bridget of Sweden, in the popular Roman neighbourhood of Palmarola (Borgata Ottavia zone), on the city’s most western periphery, for the third stage of the initiative for the Year of Prayer. The Pontiff talked with young families with children, elderly people alone, grandparents and young people — in an area adjacent to the building, near garages and unfinished walls –, about the importance of “protecting the family” and, as usual, answered the questions of those present.
“We defend the family, which is oxygen to raise children,” stressed the Pope. “In families there are also storms. If the parents quarrel, it’s normal, but they must make peace before the day ends, because the next day’s cold war is terrible.”
To some young people who asked the Holy Father how to increase their faith, he answered that “the only way is witness.” “You have the responsibility to take history forward,” stressed the Pope. “One of the beautiful things of young people is that they get up again. We all fall in life, but what is important is not to [stay down] if we slip. “
They also talked about the Church as community of people, and not only as places of worship, much less present in this neighbourhood than in other parts of the city. A lady expressed how excited she was to see the Pope “in front of an unfinished brick wall,” because “it made him feel part of the community.” “The Church begins to be built in the community,” said the Pontiff, adding that “a parish where children aren’t heard and the elderly are effaced is not a true Christian community. Don’t forget, the elderly are the memory and the children are the promise.”
Two parents asked the Holy Father how to keep the faith in these difficult times and how to educate their children in the light of the faith.
“The first advice is love between the parents, because the children must be able to feel that Daddy and Mommy love each other,” answered the Pope. If you have to quarrel, don’t do so in front of the children.” Pope Francis also stressed the value of conversation with the children. “Never stop talking with them. Education is done by talking; never leave them alone. Make them understand that they can talk about everything.”
On previous occasions, Pope Francis had talked with young people of the parish of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, on May 24, and, on April 11 he reflected further on the topic of “Thanksgiving Prayer” with the children of the parish of Saint John Mary, preparing for their First Communion.
Before concluding, the Holy Father gave Rosaries to the families and a painting of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, which will be kept in the building as a souvenir of today’s meeting.
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