At the Pentecost Mass, which celebrates the arrival of the Holy Spirit in the Church, Pope Francis' message focused on two points: strength and kindness.
He said that the Holy Spirit provides strength—the energy that helps evangelization in the face of difficulties.
POPE FRANCIS
Without letting ourselves be frightened by difficulties, mockery or opposition, which, today as in the past, are never lacking in apostolic life.
In addition to strength, the Pope also emphasized kindness. He said that the Holy Spirit provides the strength to evangelize without constraints.
POPE FRANCIS
And thanks to the Spirit we can and must do it (evangelize) with the same strength and the same kindness.
The Christian is not overbearing, his strength is different, it is the strength of the Spirit.
The Pope added that it is important for Christians to remember that evangelization is meant for everyone, not just a privileged few.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us not forget this: everyone, everyone, everyone. Let us not forget that parable of the party guests who did not want to go: “Go to the crossroads and bring everyone, everyone, good and bad, everyone.” The Spirit gives us the strength to go forth and call everyone with kindness, gives us the kindness to welcome everyone.
After the Mass, Pope Francis prayed the Angelus out the window of the papal apartments. From there, he thanked the people of Verona for their hospitality during his visit the previous day.
JRB
TR: AT
