“Continue to focus, in your work, on the integral development of the person, the growth of groups through the sharing of resources and skills, and inclusion by strengthening what each person brings, for the good of all,” said His Holiness Pope Francis in his address to the members of the “UNICOOP” cooperative in Florence and the “Il cuore si scioglie” Foundation
This Friday morning, His Holiness Pope Francis received in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican the members of the “UNICOOP” cooperative in Florence and the “Il cuore si scioglie” Foundation. On the occasion, the Holy Father delivered a speech in which he welcomed his guests and said, “I am happy to meet you, with this large number, on the eve of the Epiphany.” This holiday, like every Christmas season, invites us to celebrate the mystery of the Lord’s incarnation: in the child Jesus we see how God draws near to us in our poverty, and points to him as the special path for us to meet him. This spiritual context is also important for your commitment, which for 50 years, as a cooperative, and for more than ten years, as an institution, has been directed to the people most in need, in different areas of service: from economic poverty to cultural need, from loneliness to the need for nurturing, using many Other tools, in addition to the usual financial and food aid, include walking tours, literature, art and music.
Pope Francis went on to say that the “UNICOOP” cooperative was born in Florence – and I quote from the statute – in order “to protect the interests, health and safety of consumers also by increasing and improving their information and education.” In doing so, in 2010, she gave life to the “Il cuore si scioglie” foundation, designed to encourage people to do something for others: we can say, to use a Bibli expression, to promote “hearts of flesh” rather than “hearts of stone”. . I would like to take a moment to reflect with you on the value of this journey. In fact, by placing consumer protection above its simple commercial aspect from the beginning, you have come to understand its fundamental human dimension: helping everyone to do something for others, that is, to live love and effective love. In this way, you are reminded that preserving the well-being of the human person does not mean merely caring for some of his or her sectional interests, but rather promoting his or her full realization and dignity. At this level, the encounter between those who have great means and those who live in poverty, far from turning into a mere act of love, always constitutes a providential opportunity for mutual enrichment. You thus propose a model of protection that unites individuals not so much “against” the threat posed by a common adversary, but rather “for” building virtuous relationships of mutual support. You do all of this with a great deal of creativity, as happens when we work together and are motivated by a common dream.
The Holy Father concluded by saying, dear friends, thank you for what you are doing, in Italy and abroad; Especially at this tragic stage to support suffering Ukraine. Thank you for your cooperation with the Service of Charity, whose activities you have been supporting for some time. In your work, continue to focus on the integral development of the person, the growth of groups through the sharing of resources and skills, and inclusion by promoting what each person brings, for the good of all. I congratulate you and wish you all the best in the year that has just begun. And please don’t forget to pray for me.
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2024-01-05 13:41:17
