Pope Francis once again led the Regina Coeli virtually from the Apostolic Library. He requested that Catholics reach out to the Blessed Mother in the month of May, saying she will give more faith and hope to confront the virus.
POPE FRANCIS
I asked all the faithful to pray a Rosary this month. Together, with the family, or alone. And to pray one of the two prayers I placed at the disposition of everyone.
He reflected on the Gospel of the road to Emmaus, noting the disciples were sad after the death of Jesus. Pope Francis said because they put their problems first and didn't even notice Jesus was among them.
POPE FRANCIS
Stop thinking the world revolves around myself, around the disappointments of the past, the unfulfilled ideals, the many bad things that have happened in one's life. So many times we are led to orbit, orbit... Leave that and go forward, looking at the greatest and truest reality of life: Jesus is alive, and Jesus loves me. This is the biggest reality.
He challenged Christians to ask what they can do for others, to be positive and bright in the face of trouble. Pope Francis asked that especially in this time, complaining is turned into service.
POPE FRANCIS
From 'if' to 'yes,' from complaining to joy and peace. Because when we complain, we are not joyful. We are gray, in the gray, that gray air of sadness. That doesn't help us grow well.
The pope concluded praying for the sick, especially those with coronavirus and malaria on the World Malaria Day. Worldwide, around 3.3 billion people are at risk of the disease.
Melissa Butz
