Pope Francis Emphasizes Unity and Praying for it in Address to Syrian Church of Malabar in India

On Monday morning, Pope Francis received a delegation from the Syriac-Malabar Church in India. The Pope spoke about the fact that the believers of this church are known not only in India but all over the world for their strength of faith and loyalty, and he told his guests to the religion is ancient and rooted in martyrdom, all the way to the country. martyrdom of St. Thomas, Apostle of India. Then the Holy Father stopped at the many challenges in the long history of this church, which also saw some of your brothers in the faith, the Pope told the audience, doing bad things -lucky towards, not caring about the privacy of your successful church. , but you remained faithful to the one who came after him Saint Peter, the follower of the Holy Father. Then he expressed his joy in having the believers of this church today and confirming them in the great legacy they received and brought forward.

Pope Francis then wanted to emphasize that Eastern traditions are essential treasures in the Church, and he said that the Eastern Christian can draw inspiration from ancient but always in a time like ours, which will cutting through the roots and measuring everything according to what is useful and immediate. new spiritual sources. The Holy Father continued that these new springs give energy to the Church, and therefore he is willing, as the Bishop of Rome, to encourage the believers of this Church, wherever are they, to strengthen their sense of belonging to the Church so that it would be liturgical. , theological, spiritual and cultural heritage can be clearer.

Pope Francis continued his speech, recalling the letters he recently addressed to the faithful of this church, warning them of the danger of focusing on details that are not them to give up, at the expense of the good of the church. . The reference here is how some refused to celebrate the rites in the way specified by the Synod of the Syria Malabar Church, which led to divisions and even violence. The Holy Father said that it is self-reference that listens to any other group, and here comes the work of evil that divides and goes against the desire of the Lord that he expressed about He gave himself for us, that is, for us, his disciples, to be one, not to be divided and not to break the association. So the Pope emphasized that maintaining unity is not a directive, but an obligation, especially when it comes to priests who have promised obedience and from whom the faithful expect an example of love and kindness .

From this point of view, Pope Francis, speaking to the Archbishop, head of the Church of Syria Malabar in India, emphasized the need to work with determination to keep communion and also to pray hard so that our brothers, who are exposed to a world that leads to terrorism and division, understand that they are part of one family. The Holy Father continued, talking about leaving open doors and open hearts so that the returned son can enter. But he emphasized, first of all, the need to pray so that conflict can be resolved with the light of the Holy Spirit, who brings differences into harmony and transforms tension into unity , also with the firm conviction that boasting, complaining, and envy. not actions that come from the Lord and do not lead to reconciliation or peace. Pope Francis continued to honor the most sacred mystery, the mystery of love and unity, and that being two acts that go against the Christian faith discussing the details of the celebration of the Eucharist. His Holiness emphasized that fellowship is the true guiding and spiritual criterion that arises from the Holy Spirit, which means ensuring unity and faithful, humble, respectful and obedient protection of the gifts we have received.

Then His Holiness the Pope said, stressing that these words were directed to everyone, that in difficult times and in times of crisis one must avoid giving in to despair or being feeling helpless. He cried therefore on hope that he would not be expelled, not to be tired of hope, and not to close in on prejudices that tend to hate. Pope Francis continued, asking us to think about the great horizon of the mission that God has entrusted to us, to be a sign of his loving presence in the world, not an obstacle for those who do not believe. As we make decisions, continued His Holiness the Pope, let us think about the poor and the distant people, about the suburbs, whether in India or the diaspora, about the -edge that was alive. Let us think of those who are suffering and wait for signs of hope and comfort. Then the Holy Father said that he knows that the lives of many Christians in different places are difficult, but the Christian difference is in responding to evil with good, in working hard with it all religions for the good of all mankind.

In his speech, His Holiness the Pope thanked everyone for the work that the Syriac-Malabar Church is doing in creating families and in Christian education. He also confirmed his support for the pastoral work of the Church for the benefit of the youth and for vocations. His Holiness also confirmed how close he is to all people through prayer and that he carries them in his heart every day, and he asked those who were present to give his encouragement to their brothers and their sisters.

At the end of his speech to the delegation of the Malabar Syrian Church in India, Pope Francis wanted to extend an invitation to look with Jesus, who was crucified, died, and rose from the dead he wants us to be one. The Pope continued by asking us to look, as Saint Thomas did, at the wounds of Jesus, which can be seen today in the bodies of the hungry, the thirsty, and the excluded people, and sent he emphasis on touching these brothers with tenderness in prisons. hospitals, and on the roads making us accept the living God among us. Like St. Thomas, let us look at the wounds of Jesus to see how he caused the paths of forgiveness and mercy to flow from them. The Pope continued by thinking about the wonder of the Apostle Thomas when he saw how his doubts and fears were removed before the greatness of God. crossing new boundaries to become a father in the faith. Then, concluding his speech, His Holiness called on the faithful to pray for the unity of their church and to work together for this unity, not only in Kerala, but in the – All over India and all over the world.