(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with the volunteers of Year of Faith activities on
Monday to thank them for all their work. The Year of Faith ended on Sunday.
“The
Year of Faith …was a providential opportunity for believers to rekindle the flame
of faith, that flame that was given to us on the day of baptism,” Pope Francis told
them.
“In this time of grace, we were able to rediscover the essence of the
Christian way, in which faith, together with charity, occupies the primary place,”
he said. “Faith, is truly the cornerstone of the Christian experience because it motivates
the choices and actions of our daily lives.”
The Holy Father told the volunteers
that their service during the various events of the Year of Faith gave them the opportunity
to better understand the excitement experienced by those involved.
“Together
we truly have to praise the Lord for the spiritual intensity and the apostolic zeal
stirred up by the many pastoral initiatives promoted in these months , in Rome and
in every part of the world,” Pope Francis said.
“This experience you have
gained in the Year of Faith helps you, first of all , to open yourselves and your
communities to encounter with others , above all, those most lacking faith and hope
in their lives,” he concluded. “There are many people who are in need of a human gesture,
a smile, a word of truth , a witness through which they can apprehend the closeness
of Jesus Christ. Do not deny anyone this sign of love and tenderness that comes from
faith”