杏MAP导航 Francis: Gospel is passed on through one鈥檚 mother tongue
By Christopher Wells
杏MAP导航 Francis looked to the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe to emphasize the importance of transmitting the faith in one鈥檚 native language, as he continued his series of catecheses on 鈥渢he passion for evangelization.鈥�
Although the faith had already arrived in the Americas when Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego, the 杏MAP导航 noted, the first evangelization of the new continent had not been without problems. 鈥淚nstead of the path of inculturation, too often the hasty approach of transplanting pre-constituted models had been taken, lacking respect for the indigenous peoples, the 杏MAP导航 said.
Faith transmitted through our mother tongue
When Mary appeared to Juan Diego, though, she came 鈥渄ressed in the clothing of the native peoples, speaking their language, welcoming and loving the local culture.
鈥淪he is a Mother, and under her mantle, every child finds a place,鈥� he continued. 鈥淚n Mary, God became flesh; and through Mary, He continues to incarnate Himself in the lives of peoples.鈥�
The Holy Father highlighted Mary鈥檚 proclamation of God in the native language of the people. 鈥淵es, the Gospel is transmitted through the mother tongue.鈥�
The 杏MAP导航 thanked mothers and grandmothers, especially, for handing on the Gospel to their children and grandchildren, explaining that faith is passed on with life. 鈥淭his,鈥� he said, 鈥渋s why mothers are the first evangelizers.鈥� And he invited those present to offer a round of applause for mothers.
Inculturating the Gospel and evangelizing cultures
Turning to St. Juan Diego, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that he was already married when he embraced Christianity. Despite difficulties, including resistance from Church leaders, Juan Diego persisted in the mission Our Lady gave him.
鈥淓ven today,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渋n so many places inculturating the Gospel and evangelising cultures requires constancy and patience, not being afraid of conflict, not losing heart.鈥� We must not be discouraged, he continued, knowing that Mary is there to console us and help us to grow, 鈥渓ike a mother who, while following her child鈥檚 steps, launches him into the world鈥檚 challenges.鈥�
Our Lady confirmed her message to Juan Diego with a miracle, the 鈥渆xtraordinary and living image鈥� that appeared on the tilma, or cloak, of the saint. This is 鈥渢he surprise of God,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said. 鈥淲hen there is willingness and obedience, He can accomplish something unexpected, at times and in ways that we cannot foresee.鈥�
Even today, at Marian shrines, pilgrimage destinations, and places of proclamation, we see the welcome and evangelization that marked the life of Saint Juan Diego. 鈥淔aith is welcomed in these places in a simple and genuine, popular way,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said, concluding, 鈥淲e need to go to these oases of consolation and mercy, where faith is expressed in a maternal language; where we lay down the labours of life in Our Lady's arms and return to life with peace in our hearts.鈥�
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