Pope Francis wanted to celebrate Mass with Polish priests and religious in the St. John Paul II Shrine.
The complex was completed a few weeks before the start of World Youth Day and has been built on the grounds of the factory where the young Karol Wojtyla worked during the second World War.
The impressive mosaic-decorated altar includes biblical scenes and, in addition, there is another with the face of John Paul II.
There was not a single detail missing in remembering the late pope. For example, here is the staff that he used many times and his own relic rests beside the altar.
In his homily, Pope Francis recalled the invitation from John Paul II to 'open the doors to Christâ? and also explained that this is the kind of Church Jesus asks for.
POPE FRANCIS
'From the beginning, He wants His to be a Church on the move, a Church that goes out into the world.'
To achieve this goal, the Pope also spoke of how they have to be the disciples of Christ.
He asked the priests and religious not to close themselves out of fear or convenience, but do the opposite.
POPE FRANCIS
'Jesus directs us to a one-way street: that of going forth from ourselves. It is a one-way trip, with no return ticket. It involves making an exodus from ourselves, losing our lives for His sake and setting out on the path of self-gift. Nor does Jesus like journeys made halfway, doors half-closed, lives lived on two tracks. He asks us to pack lightly for the journey, to set out renouncing our own security, with Him alone as our strength.'
Pope Francis explained that by living without selfishness, the Christian is transformed and the effects of this change will also reach others.
POPE FRANCIS
'Finding their happiness in the Lord, they are not content with a life of mediocrity, but burn with the desire to bear witness and reach out to others. They love to take risks and to set out, not limited to trails already blazed, but open and faithful to the paths pointed out by the Spirit. Rather than just getting by, they rejoice to evangelize.'
Finally, he reminded them that the Gospel is also an open book in which every priest, seminarian and religious can continue writing their story, thanks to the mercy of God.
AC/MB
CTV
-SV
-BN
up:MB
