Pope Francis focused his catechesis on liturgical prayer. He said the liturgy is an important place of encounter with Christ.
POPE FRANCIS
A Christianity without liturgy. I dare say it perhaps would be a Christianity without Christ, without a complete Christ.
The pope lamented that some Christians reject community ceremonies and focus instead on a personal spirituality that is much too isolated. He said it’s important to rediscover the meaning of the Mass and the sacraments.
POPE FRANCIS
When I go to Sunday Mass, I go to pray as part of a community, to pray with Christ, who is present.
‘But Father, that’s an idea. It’s just an expression.’ No. It’s not just an expression. Christ is present. In the liturgy you pray with Christ at your side.
Pope Francis seemed a little tired.
Nevertheless, he has many projects on his agenda, from the spiritual exercises in mid-February to a trip to Iraq in early March.
At the end of his catechesis he reminded the faithful that Thursday, Feb. 4, will be the first International Day of Human Fraternity. He encouraged participation in the project to work toward a more united world.
Javier Romero
