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"Humble and obedient unity" is the "high road" to safeguarding a movements’ charisma and, "through the grace of God intensify communion," preventing it from "deteriorating when it closes in on itself or it boasts, wanting to distinguish you from the others". Communion in the Church, which expresses its fertility "through the ministry and guidance of pastors " was the focus of Pope Francis address this morning to about 10 thousand people belonging to the Neocatechumenal Way, received when sending 56 missio ad gentes formed by about 270 families with 1,500 children: 14 will go on mission to Asia; 30 to Europe; 6 to Africa; 4 to Oceania and 2 to America.
In his speech the Pope - who spoke of the "gift" of the pilgrimage in response to the call to evangelize – spoke of three words "as a mandate for mission: unity, glory and the world”. Unity. Jesus prays to the Father so that his (followers) be " brought to perfection as one” (Jn 17:23): he wants them to be "one" (v. 22), like Himself and the Father. It is his last request before the passion, the most heartfelt: that there be communion in the Church. Communion is essential. God’s and man’s enemy, the devil, is no match for the Gospel, cannot compete against the humble power of prayer and the Sacraments, but can do much harm to the Church by tempting our humanity. The devil provokes pride, being judgmental of others, he causes closures and divisions. He himself is "the divider" and often starts off by making us believe that we are good, perhaps better than others: thus the land is ready for the sowing of discord. It is the temptation of all communities and can it can insinuate itself even in the most beautiful charism. |
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In The News |
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Article: Ecumenical Movement - Misc.
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