Audience: Pope continues catechesis on Church as our Mother
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis returned to the theme of the "Church as our Mother"during
his audience catechesis on Wednesday. The Pope’s English language remarks were read
out at the Audience.Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to return to the image
of the Church as our Mother, by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live
and suffer for their children. First, our mothers show us, through their tenderness
and love, the correct path to follow in life, so that we may grow into adulthood.
So too the Church orients us on the path of life, indicating the way that leads to
maturity. Second, our mothers know how and when to accompany us with understanding
through life and to help lead us back when we wonder off the right path. The Church
also accompanies us in mercy, in understanding, never judging us or closing the door,
but offering forgiveness to help us return to the right course. Third, as our mothers
never grow tired of interceding for us, no matter our failings, so too the Church
stays with us always and, through prayer, puts into the hands of the Lord all our
situations, difficulties and needs. And so we see in the Church a good Mother who
indicates the path to walk in life, who always accompanies us in patience, mercy and
understanding, and who places us in God’s hands. I offer an affectionate greeting
to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience. In
a particular way, I welcome the Inter-Ministerial Delegation of the Vietnamese Government
for Religious Affairs. I welcome also all those from England, Scotland, Ireland,
Norway, India, Canada and the United States. May Jesus Christ confirm you in faith
and make you witnesses of his love and mercy to all people. May God bless you!