(Vatican Radio) At his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis continued
his series of catechetical reflections on the Creed, focusing again this week on the
Communion of Saints. In the English language synthesis of the Holy Father’s remarks
read out following the main catechesis in the Italian, Pope Francis writes about the
spiritual treasures of the Church: the sacraments, Charisms, and charity.
Dear
Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Creed, we now reflect on
“the communion of saints” as a communion not only of persons but also of spiritual
goods. Through our sharing in those goods, we grow in communion with Christ and with
the members of his body, the Church. Today let us consider three of these spiritual
treasures: the sacraments, charisms and charity. In the sacraments, we encounter
Christ in all his saving power, are confirmed in the joy of faith, and sent forth
to share with others the joy of salvation. Through the variety of charisms, the spiritual
gifts and graces bestowed by the Holy Spirit, we help to build up the Church in unity,
holiness and service. In charity, all these spiritual gifts find their fulfilment;
everything is ordered to our growth in God’s love. Let us ask the Lord to increase
our communion in these spiritual goods, so that we can live ever more fully our Christian
vocation in union with him and as joyful signs of his saving love, present and at
work in our midst.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims present at today’s
Audience, including those from England and Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, Japan
and the United States. In a special way I greet the priests from England celebrating
the anniversaries of their ordination. I also thank the choirs present for their
praise of God in song. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke God’s blessings
of joy and peace!