More than 10,000 people flooded the streets of Ostia, a small community close to Rome, for the Solemnity of the Corpus Christi. Pope Francis presided over Mass on the concourse of St. Monica parish.
It was shortly after 6 p.m., and the Holy Father sent an important message against the mafia that dominates the Roman coast.
POPE FRANCIS
“Jesus wants to break down the walls of indifference and passive silence, to tear down the fences of abuse and intimidation, to open the paths to justice, decorum and legality.”
In reference to the Last Supper, Pope Francis urged Christians today to prepare a place and meal for the most needy, just as Jesus' Disciples did.
POPE FRANCIS
“Like the Disciples, we ask Him, 'Lord, where do you want us to go to prepare?' Where: Jesus doesn't prefer exclusive or excluding places. Look for places that haven't been reached by love, or touched by hope. He wants to go to those uncomfortable places, and He is asking us to prepare things for Him.”
“We all know lonely people, who suffer and are needy: they're abandoned tabernacles.”
Following the Mass, the procession through the streets of Ostia took place to the Our Lady of Buenos Aires parish, where the pope gave the Eucharistic blessing.
It's the first time Pope Francis has celebrated the Corpus Christi outside of Rome, and the second time Ostia has welcomed a pope for this solemnity, as Paul VI did the same 50 years ago.
