On Thursday morning, Pope Francis traveled to Czestochowa to pray before the Black Madonna; one of the most beloved devotions of the Polish people.
Before presiding over the Mass, the Pope accidentally tripped and fell. However, he continued with the ceremony and the effort he put forth was perceived by the pilgrims, who at the beginning of his homily, dedicated a round of applause to him.
The Pope recalled that the Church is called to follow the example of Christ: to be close to the small and humble.
POPE FRANCIS
'The Lord does not want to be feared like a powerful and aloof sovereign. He does not want to remain on his throne in heaven or in history books, but loves to come down to our everyday affairs, to walk with us.'
The Pope said that God speaks the language of the humble, not those who are seduced by power and ambition. Christ did not come to solve their problems.
POPE FRANCIS
'To be attracted by power, by grandeur, by appearances, is tragically human. It is a great temptation that tries to insinuate itself everywhere. But to give oneself to others, eliminating distances, dwelling in littleness and living the reality of oneâ??s everyday life: this is exquisitely divine.â?
From Czestochowa, the Pope said that God is present at particular times of the history of individuals and peoples, such as Poland. Once again, the crowd cheered in applause when he reminded Polish mothers and grandmothers to transmit their faith to their children and grandchildren despite the ordeal of Soviet rule.
The celebration ended with a song dedicated to the Black Madonna.
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