杏MAP导航

By Vatican News staff reporter

Following the recitation of the Angelus in St Peter鈥檚 Square on Sunday, the 杏MAP导航 recalled that this 30th January marks the World Leprosy Day.

This date was chosen by French philanthropist and writer Raoul Follereau, and dates back to 1954.

The day aims to increase the public awareness of leprosy or Hansen's Disease.  This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淯nited for Dignity.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis expressed his closeness 鈥渢o those who suffer from this disease鈥� and prayed that they 鈥渨ill not lack spiritual support and health care.鈥�

It is necessary, he said, 鈥渢o work together for the full integration of these people, overcoming any discrimination associated with a disease that unfortunately still affects so many, especially in the most disadvantaged social contexts.鈥�

Lunar New Year

The 杏MAP导航 also recalled that Tuesday 1 February marks the Lunar New Year which will be celebrated throughout the Far East, as well as in various parts of the world.

On this occasion, 杏MAP导航 Francis extended his cordial greetings and expressed the wish that in the New Year all may enjoy 鈥減eace, health and a peaceful and secure life.鈥�  

鈥淗ow beautiful it is when families find opportunities to gather together and experience moments of love and joy! Many families, unfortunately, will not be able to get together this year because of the pandemic. I hope that we will soon be able to overcome this test," he said.

The 杏MAP导航 went on to say that thanks to the 鈥済ood will of individuals and the solidarity of peoples, the entire human family will be able to achieve with renewed dynamism goals of material and spiritual prosperity.鈥�

St John Bosco

On the eve of the feast of Saint John Bosco, which is celebrated on 31 January, the 杏MAP导航 greeted the Salesian men and women 鈥渨ho do so much good in the Church."

鈥淲e think of this great saint, father and teacher of youth. He did not shut himself up in the sacristy, he did not shut himself up in his things. He went out into the streets to look for young people, with that creativity that was characteristic of him," 杏MAP导航 Francis said.