Francis remembers his apostolic trip to Africa and praised the missionaries

Francis remembers his apostolic trip to Africa and praised the missionaries

Vatican City, December 2, 2015 (VIS)- The catechesis of the Wednesday general audience this time was devoted to apostolic trip to the Holy Father made to Kenya, Uganda and Centrofricana Republic from 25 to 30 November. '' How beautiful is Africa! '' Said Francisco before explaining to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square the details of your trip.

Kenya '' is a country that represents well the global challenge of our time: protect creation reforming the model of development that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable. '' '' All this pointed Francisco is reflected in Nairobi, the largest city in East Africa, where wealth and poverty coexist: but it is a scandal! Not only in Africa, also here, everywhere. The coexistence of wealth and poverty is a scandal, it is a disgrace to humanity. "

The Pope recalled that in all cases encouraged them to keniotas to treasure the wealth of this country '' natural and spiritual wealth, made up of land resources, the new generations and the values ​​that form the wisdom of the people. In this current context he went so dramatically had the joy of bringing the word of hope in the risen Jesus you: "Be strong in faith, not fear." That was the theme of the visit. A motto that experience every day so simple and humble, noble dignity; a motto witnessed a tragic and heroic by young University of Garissa killed on April 2 because they were Christians. His blood is the seed of peace and brotherhood to Kenya, for Africa and for the world. ''

In Uganda, the second country, the Pope's visit was under the sign of the Martyrs, 50 years after his historic canonization by Pope Paul VI. For that reason, the motto was: "You will be my witnesses." '' The whole visit to Uganda said Francis was developed with the fervor of testimony animated by the Holy Spirit. Testimony in the explicit sense is the service of catechists ... Testimony is the charity .. who strive to give so many communities and associations serving the poor, the disabled, the sick. Testimony is the young people who, despite the difficulties, retain the gift of hope and try to live the Gospel and not in the world, going against. Testimony is the priests, consecrated daily renewing his "yes" to Christ and dedicate themselves with joy to the service of the holy people of God .... All this multiform witness, animated by the Holy Spirit, is yeast for the whole society, as evidenced by the effective work done in Uganda in the fight against AIDS and in the reception of refugees. ''

The third stage of the trip was the Central African Republic, the geographic heart of the continent, the heart of Africa. '' The visit explained the Bishop of Rome was actually the first in my intention, because that country is trying to get out of a very difficult period of violent conflicts and much suffering among the population. So I wanted to open there in Bangui, with a week in advance, the first Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy, as a sign of faith and hope for the people, and symbolically to all African populations most in need of rescue and relief ''.

The invitation of Jesus to the disciples, "Let's go to the other side, '' was the motto of this stage. '' Go to the other side, in civic sense, means leaving behind the war, division, poverty, and choose peace, reconciliation and development. But this presupposes a 'passage' that takes place in the minds, attitudes and intentions of individuals. And in this area is crucial contribution of religious communities. So I found the Evangelical Fellowship and sharing Muslim prayer and commitment to peace .... And finally in the last Mass at the stadium in Bangui ... renew our commitment to follow Jesus, our hope, our peace The face of the Divine Mercy. That last Mass was wonderful: it was full of young people, a stadium full of youth! More than half of the population of the Central African Republic is a minor, under 18: a promise to move forward ''!.

The Pope then spoke of the missionaries' men and women who left the country, and all were there when they were young, both leading a life of work, sometimes sleeping on the floor ''. Francisco said that in Bangui had found an Italian nun wearing 81 from 24 in Africa and was gone by canoe from the Congo to see him accompanied by a child. '' So are the missionaries, courageous. '' Religious was a nurse, midwife, and had given birth to 3,280 children. '' A whole life for the lives of others exclaimed the Holy Father And this nun, there are many, many: many sisters, so many priests, so many monks who burned his life to proclaim Jesus Christ. ''

'' I would say a word to the young Francis concluded Think of what you do in your life. Think of this nun and many like her who have given their lives and thousands have died there. The missionary is not to proselytize: this nun told me that Muslim women where they were because they knew they were good nurses who treated them well and gave them catechesis not convert. They testify; then who wants it, give catechesis. The testimony is the great heroic missionary of the Church. Proclaiming Jesus Christ with their own lives! I appeal to young people: Think about what you want to do in your lives. It's time to think and ask the Lord to make you feel your will. But please, do not you exclude the possibility of being missionaries, to bring love, humanity, faith in other countries. Not to proselytize: no. So do those who seek other things. Faith is preached first witness and then the word. Slowly''