Pope Francis

If Jesus is to become the center of our life, we need to spend time in His presence, before the Tabernacle.

Consumerism has led us to become used to an excess and daily waste of food, to which, at times, we are no longer able to give a just value, which goes well beyond mere economic parameters. We should all remember, however, that throwing food away is like stealing from the tables of the the poor, the hungry!

If in so many parts of the world there are children who have nothing to eat, that's not news, it seems normal. It cannot be this way!

This culture of waste has made us insensitive even to the waste and disposal of food, which is even more despicable when all over the world, unfortunately, many individuals and families are suffering from hunger and malnutrition.

... this task entrusted to us by God the Creator requires us to grasp the rhythm and logic of creation. But we are often driven by pride of domination, of possessions, manipulation, of exploitation; we do not "care" for it, we do not respect it, we do not consider it as a free gift that we must care for.

You have a specific and important mission, that of keeping alive the relationship between the faith and the cultures of the peoples to whom you belong. . . . [W]e have to follow Christ along the concrete path of our daily lives so that he can transform us.

...because with us what is highest must be at the service of others.

It is the Paraclete Spirit, the "Comforter", who grants us the courage to take to the streets of the world, bringing the Gospel! The Holy Spirit makes us look to the horizon and drive us to the very outskirts of existence in order to proclaim life in Jesus Christ. Let us ask ourselves: do we tend to stay closed in on ourselves, on our group, or do we let the Holy Spirit open us to mission?

But you too, help one another: help one another always. One another. In this way, by helping one another, we will do some good.

I address a strong appeal from my heart that the dignity and safety of the worker always be protected.

The Pope appeals for disinterested solidarity and for a return to person-centred ethics in the world of finance and economics.

It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about.

Let those desert places in our hearts bloom.

To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us.

Let us keep the flame of faith alive through prayer and the sacraments: let us make sure we do not forget God.

Our Lady is always close to us, especially when we feel the weight of life with all its problems

Our Mother Mary is full of beauty because she is full of grace.

In the face of so many wounds that hurt us and could lead to a hardness of heart, we are called to dive into the sea of prayer, which is the sea of the boundless love of God, in order to experience his tenderness

Be close to the poor and to those in need, so as to touch in their flesh the wounded flesh of Jesus. Please, draw near to them!

Forgiveness is not a result of our efforts, but is a gift. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit who showers us with mercy and grace that pours forth unceasingly from the open heart of Christ crucified and risen.

It is important to have friends we can trust. But it is essential to trust the Lord, who never lets us down.