Vatican City, 31 December 2015 (VIS) –
On Thursday at 5 p.m., in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father
presided at the first Vespers of the Solemnity of Holy Mary Mother of
God. This was followed by the exposition of the Holy Sacrament, the
traditional “Te Deum” hymn of thanksgiving for the year end, and
the Eucharistic blessing. Francis concluded by blessing the nativity
display in St. Peter's Square.
“Retracing the days of the past year
can either take the form of a remembrance of facts and events leading
to moments of joy and suffering, or of seeking to understand whether
we have perceived the presence of God Who renews and sustains all
with His help. We are called upon to confirm whether the events of
the world were realised in accordance with God's will, or if we
listened principally to the plans of men, often loaded with private
interests, of insatiable thirst for power and gratuitous violence”.
“However, today our eyes must focus
in particular on the signs that God has granted us, to touch with our
own hand the strength of his merciful love. We cannot forget that
many days have been marked by violence, death, and the unspeakable
suffering of many innocent people, of refugees compelled to leave
their homeland, of men, women and children without a fixed abode,
food or sustenance. And then, great gestures of goodness, love and
solidarity have filled the days of this year, even though they have
not appeared on the news. Good things do not make the news. These
signs of love cannot and must not be obscured by the arrogance of
evil. Good always prevails, even though in some moments it can appear
weaker and hidden”.
“Our city of Rome is not extraneous
to this condition that affects the entire world. I would like all its
inhabitants to receive a sincere invitation to overcome the
difficulties of the present moment. Commitment to recovering the
fundamental values of service, honesty and solidarity enables us to
overcome the grave uncertainties that have dominated this past year,
and which are symptoms of a meagre sense of dedication to the common
good. May the positive contribution of Christian witness never be
lacking, so that Rome, in accordance with her history, and with the
maternal intercession of Mary Salus Populi Romani, may be a special
interpreter of faith, acceptance, fraternity and peace”.
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