ÐÓMAPµ¼º½

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ to Papuan children: Keep the light of love burning

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis meets with street children and children with disabilities in Papua New Guinea, and reminds them that everyone is different because God made us so.

By Francesca Merlo

At the Caritas Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby on Saturday, in the care of Street Ministry and Callan Services.

Street Ministry and Callan Services

Street Ministry, run by the Sisters of the Society of the Heart of Jesus, cares for impoverished children, aged 7 to 14, providing them with essential needs and education.

Callan Services is the largest provider of services for children and adults with disabilities in Papua New Guinea. It serves as a leading advocate for disability rights and representation, focusing on inclusive education and training for all people with disabilities in the country.

After a greeting from the Cardinal Archbishop of Port Moresby, John Ribat, a group from the Street Ministry performed a traditional song and dance. 

Two difficult questions

Two children then asked questions. 

The first from Callan Services, speaking in sign language, asked the ÐÓMAPµ¼º½: "Why am I not able like others?"

The second, from Street Ministry, asked "How can we make ourselves useful to make our world a beautiful place?"

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis' responses

After another performance of song and dance, it was ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis' turn to greet the children and answer their questions. 

He expressed gratitude for the questions posed and in response to the question, "Why am I not like the others?"

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis highlighted that "none of us are like the others: we are all unique before God!"

He emphasised that each person has a unique role and mission, which can bring both challenges and profound joy and encouraged all to focus on the love they give and receive, noting that "Our joy depends on nothing else: only on love!"

Responding then to the second question on how to make the world more beautiful and happier, ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis stressed that love is the key: "With the same 'recipe': by learning day by day to love God and others with all our hearts!" He encouraged the children to grow and improve by learning and applying themselves fully.

Finally, ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis urged everyone to keep "the light of love burning" as a symbol of hope for the world.

Port Moresby, Visit to the children of Street Ministry and Callan Services

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07 September 2024, 10:00