September 18, 2013 - Pope Francis held his weekly general audience on Wednesday.
The public meeting is an occasion for pilgrims and tourists visiting Rome to be able
see and hear the Pope, and also receive his blessing. The general audience of Sept.
18 was held in the open, in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides reading
a passage from Psalm 84 in several languages. Listen:
Basing
himself on the scripture passage, Pope Francis delivered his main discourse in Italian
- summaries of which were read out by aides in various languages, including in English.
But first, the aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims. Listen: …
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.
Besides his catechesis, Pope Francis also greeted the various
language groups mostly in Italian. Listen:
… 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! (BLESSING)