Pope
Francis met with the volunteers of Year of Faith activities on Monday
to thank them for all their work. The Year of Faith ended on Sunday.
“The
Year of Faith …was a providential opportunity for believers to rekindle
the flame of faith, that flame that was given to us on the day of
baptism,” Pope Francis told them.
“In this time of grace, we were
able to rediscover the essence of the Christian way, in which faith,
together with charity, occupies the primary place,” he said. “Faith, is
truly the cornerstone of the Christian experience because it motivates
the choices and actions of our daily lives.”
The Holy Father told
the volunteers that their service during the various events of the Year
of Faith gave them the opportunity to better understand the excitement
experienced by those involved.
“Together we truly have to praise
the Lord for the spiritual intensity and the apostolic zeal stirred up
by the many pastoral initiatives promoted in these months , in Rome and
in every part of the world,” Pope Francis said.
“This experience
you have gained in the Year of Faith helps you, first of all , to open
yourselves and your communities to encounter with others , above all,
those most lacking faith and hope in their lives,” he concluded. “There
are many people who are in need of a human gesture, a smile, a word of
truth , a witness through which they can apprehend the closeness of
Jesus Christ. Do not deny anyone this sign of love and tenderness that
comes from faith.”