Pope thanks Year of Faith volunteers

November 25, 2013 - Pope Francis on Monday thanked the volunteers who helped in the organization of numerous events in the Vatican of the just-concluded Year of Faith, saying the year-long observance has been a providential occasion to revive the flame that we have been entrusted with on the day of our Baptism, so that we safeguard and share it. "In the name of the Church, I thank you and together we thank the Lord for all the good that He gives us to fulfil,” the Pope told a group of 300 volunteers. Called for by Pope Benedict XVI, the Year of Fait began on Oct. 11, 2012, and Pope Francis brought it to a close on Sunday, Nov. 24, with a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. He said that all must together thank the Lord for the spiritual intensity and apostolic ardour generated by the many pastoral initiatives promoted during the year in Rome and around the world. We have been witnesses that faith in Christ can warm hearts and truly becomes the moving force of new evangelization – a faith that makes missionaries of our communities. In fact, there is need of Christian communities that the committed to a courageous apostolate that reaches out to persons in their situations, including those in difficult conditions. The Pope wished that their experience during the Year of Faith help them above all to open themselves and their communities to others, especially the poor in faith and hope in life. And they are many who need a human gesture, a smile, a true word, a witness through which they feel the closeness of Jesus Christ. ‘May no one be deprived of this sign of love and tenderness that is born of faith,” the Pope wished.