杏MAP导航

By Edoardo Giribaldi

鈥淭he Church in France is called to recognize a powerful and prophetic sign from the Lord: the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris for worship,鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis writes in his message to French Bishops.

In the message conveyed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, the 杏MAP导航 encourages the bishops, gathered for their Plenary Assembly on Tuesday, November 5 in Lourdes, to see this event, scheduled for December 8, as a meaningful sign more than five years after the fire that devastated the Cathedral in April 2019.

One Spirit in Christ

The fraternal message is one of encouragement, trust, and closeness. In it, the 杏MAP导航 emphasizes the need for mutual support within Church communities, noting that political and economic forces sometimes impose values like greed, selfishness, indifference, and exploitation, which he says, can distort relationships among nations and peoples.

However, the 杏MAP导航 expresses hope that the relationship between the French Church and African churches may be inspired by 鈥渙ne spirit in Christ,鈥� reflecting the unity of Christian communities.

鈥淢ay the charity and mutual support between your local churches not only foster the missionary renewal of your communities but also contribute to building a more just and fraternal world through their testimony,鈥� he says.

Welcoming the gifts of the Spirit "without fear"

杏MAP导航 Francis also refers to the need for openness to discussions on the 鈥渃hallenges of evangelization.鈥�

He mentions issues such as the running of seminaries, teaching religion, and the organization of dioceses. Thus, he encourages the bishops to draw strength from past experiences and be ready to welcome the Spirit鈥檚 guidance in facing current challenges, anticipating transformations, and implementing reforms.

Strength and pride of the French Church

The message emphasizes unwavering hope: the theme of the upcoming Jubilee.

For the Church in France, the reopening of Notre Dame is a prophetic sign, says the 杏MAP导航: 鈥淟ike this marvellous, restored building,鈥� strengthened by faith, proud of its history, and committed to its irreplaceable role in the nation鈥檚 development, may the French Church, he notes, continue to joyfully proclaim the Good News of salvation.

Love of the Sacred Heart 鈥渢he key to the future"

杏MAP导航 Francis also refers to his encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, , underlining the need to 鈥渞ediscover or discover鈥� the love of the Sacred Heart, which he describes as 鈥渦ltimately the only key to the future.鈥�

Quoting from the encyclical, he says 鈥淭he wounded side of Christ continues to pour forth that stream which is never exhausted, never passes away, but offers itself time and time again to all those who wish to love as he did. For his love alone can bring about a new humanity.鈥�

French saints, he continues, are acknowledged for their significant role in developing and deepening this devotion.

A devotion that reflects Jesus鈥� love

鈥淵ou, more than others, are called and qualified to benefit from this heritage,鈥� says the 杏MAP导航, adding that rather than reviving a devotion often deemed outdated, it is important to understand the measure of Jesus鈥� love for each of us, for the Church in France, its pastors and faithful, and for the entire world.

The message concludes with 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� blessing for all bishops, their collaborators, and the faithful of various dioceses.