People of Washington, DC, asked to WalkwithFrancis

(Vatican Radio) The Archdiocese of Washington has issued a challenge ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis on September 22, 2015, for his first visit to the United States.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington, has invited his flock to share their joy in their Catholic faith by taking the Walk with Francis Pledge.

“Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has captured the world’s attention with his infectious joy,” Cardinal Wuerl wrote on his blog.  “What is striking to me is that in his actions we see the source of his joy. He loves sharing God’s love with others. His words, his gestures, his preaching teach us how to imitate Christ who is the human manifestation of God, the Father.”

The Walk with Francis Pledge invites the people of the Archdiocese to Pray, Serve, and Act:

• Pray regularly for the Holy Father and learn about the message of the joy of the Gospel, the mercy of God and the love of Christ.
• Serve by reaching out and caring for those in need and supporting charitable efforts in our community and beyond.
• Act to promote human life and dignity, justice and peace, family life and religious freedom, care for creation and the common good.

“It is hard to imagine a more perfect gift to present to our Holy Father than the promise that those most in need of prayer and healing, compassion and hope will be touched by Christ’s love by all of us who have taken the Walk with Francis Pledge,” wrote Cardinal Wuerl.

“While touching those most in need of our love, I can also assure our Holy Father that we will be praying for him, for his ministry and for the Church, that all pledge takers will grow in love of God and others,” he concluded.

People can share their pledge on social media with the hashtag #WalkwithFrancis