Pope Francis invokes Sts. Cyril and Methodius at General Audience

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday spoke of “the need to maintain the unity of faith, tradition, Christian culture, and to live the Gospel every day.”

He was speaking to pilgrims at his General Audience from Poland, noting Tuesday’s celebration of the liturgical feast of “these two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Saints Cyril and Methodius, patrons of Europe.

“These two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Pope Francis said.

At the end of the Audience, he again invoked the two saints when he gave his final blessing.

“Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, evangelizers of the Slavs, and co-patrons of Europe,” Pope Francis said.

 “May their example help you, dear young people, to become missionary disciples in every environment; may their tenacity encourage you, dear sick people, to offer your sufferings for the conversion of those in distant places; and may their love for the Lord enlighten you, dear newlyweds, to make the Gospel the guiding principle of your family life.”