The Pope went around St. Peter's Square and blessed many children. The most elegant of them all was this baby who was dressed up for the occasion.
In his catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on what it means to be a saint. He said that it is not to do extraordinary things nor a conquest, but rather a gift from God.
POPE FRANCIS
'Some think that holiness is putting on a pious face. No, that is not holiness. Holiness is something much greater and more profound that God gives us. Moreover, it is living with love and giving a Christian witness in our daily lives where we are called to become saints. And each one of us in our own state in life.â?
The Pope explained that holiness is not only for those who can abandon their daily duties to pray and do acts of charity. He said that married people can become saints by loving and caring for their wives or husbands, working with honesty and dedication, as well as giving their time in the service of others.
POPE FRANCIS
'But father, if I work in a factory, or if I am an accountant...I can't be a saint. Yes! Yes! You can! You can become a saint there where you work. It is there where God gives you the grace to become a saint. God communicates with you. Always, in every place you can become a saint. You can open yourself to this grace that works within us and brings us to holiness.â?
The Pope said that holiness is a calling to which Christians respond in small steps in order to convert their lives into a joyful gift of service to others.
POPE FRANCIS
'A woman goes shopping at the supermarket and finds her neighbor. First, they begin to talk and then they start to gossip. And this woman says: 'No, no, I will not speak ill of someone.' And this is a step towards holiness, this helps you to become more holy. Then, at home, your son wants to speak to you about imaginative things: 'Oh, I am so tired, I worked so much today.' But sit down and listen to your son, he needs it. And listen to him with patience. This is one step towards holiness.â? 'And each step towards holiness will make us better people, free from selfishness and being closed in ourselves, open to our brothers and sisters and their needs.â?
In his address, the Pope also remembered the religious communities and cloistered religious. He said that Christians should thank God for them and invited Catholics to help them, both spiritually and materially.
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