Angelus of Pope Francis "fast from gossip"
Angelus of Pope Francis: People should fast from gossip and spreading rumors as part of their Lenten journey, Pope Francis said.
“For Lent this year, I will not speak ill of others, I will not gossip and we can all do it, all of us. This is a wonderful kind of fasting, ”the Pope said on February 28 after reciting the Sunday Angelus.
Greeting visitors in St. Peter's Square, the pope said his advice for Lent included the addition. A different kind of fasting, "that will not make you feel hungry: fasting to spread rumors and gossip".
“And don't forget that it will also be helpful to read a gospel verse every day,” he said, urging the people. Have a paperback edition handy to read whenever possible, even if it's just a random verse. “This will open your heart to the Lord,” he added.
Angelus of Pope Francis in Lent read the Gospel
The pope also led a moment of prayer for the more than 300 girls kidnapped by armed men. Unidentified on February 26 in Jangebe, northwestern Nigeria.
The pope, adding his voice to the statements of the Nigerian bishops. Condemned for the "cowardly kidnapping of 317 girls, taken away from their school". He prayed for them and their families, hoping for a safe return home.
The nation's bishops had already warned of the deteriorating situation in the country in a February 23 statement, according to Vatican News.
"We are truly on the brink of a looming collapse from which we must do everything possible to back out before the worst wins the nation," the bishops wrote in response to a previous attack. Insecurity and corruption have called into question "the very survival of the nation," they wrote.
In Lent, avoid gossip
The pope also celebrated Rare Disease Day, held on February 28 to raise awareness and improve defense and access to treatment.
He thanked all those involved in medical research for diagnosing and designing treatments for rare diseases. He encouraged support networks and associations so that people do not feel alone and can share experiences and advice.
"We pray for all the people who have a rare disease“He said, especially for children who are suffering.
In his main discourse, he reflected on the reading of the Gospel of the day (Mk 9: 2-10) on Peter, James and John. They testify to the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and their subsequent descent to the valley.
The pope said stop with the Lord on the mountain. A call to remember - especially when we cross. A difficult proof - that the Lord is risen. It does not allow the darkness to have the last word.
However, he added, “we cannot stay on the mountain and enjoy the beauty of this meeting alone. Jesus himself takes us back to the valley, in the midst of our brothers and sisters and to daily life “.
People must take that light that comes from their encounter with Christ “and make it shine everywhere. Turn on little lights in people's hearts; to be little lamps of the Gospel that bring a little love and hope: this is the mission of the Christian, ”he said.