Pope Francis received a group of young people from Italian Catholic Action for an audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
The Pope spoke to them about the importance of the parish. He said that parish life is irreplaceable and essential for the faith journey.
POPE FRANCIS
It is the 'normal' environment where we learned to hear the Gospel, to know the Lord Jesus, to offer a service freely, to pray in community, to share projects and initiatives, to feel part of God's holy people.
Pope Francis also invited those present to take an interest in social issues. He regrets that interest in changing the world has diminished in today's younger generations due to individualistic thinking.
The Pope also urged participants not to reduce faith to only religious meetings because faith must also include a personal encounter with God.
POPE FRANCIS
There is no longer the desire to have meetings, debates, assemblies...In one way, it's a good thing, even for you. Catholic Action doesn't have to be a Catholic 'Session', and the Church doesn't move forward with meetings!
Pope Francis encouraged the group to pray to the Virgin Mary throughout October, the month of the Rosary. He also asked that they continue to participate in parish life.
CA
TR: MG
