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Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus
Message
On Peace, a Call From Assisi
"May Weapons be Silenced and May Hate Yield to Love"
H.H. Benedict XVI
June 17, 2007
www.zenit.org
Dear brothers and sisters,
Eight centuries ago, the city of Assisi would have found it
difficult to imagine the role that providence was assigning to it, a
role that has made this city well known throughout the world, that
has make it an authentic "place of the soul." An event that happened
here imprinted on this city an indelible character. I am referring
to the conversion of young Francis. After 25 years of an aimless and
mediocre existence that was centered on seeking worldly pleasures
and successes, in a moment of interior recollection, he opened
himself to grace and gradually recognized in Christ the ideal for
his life. My pilgrimage to Assisi today seeks to recall this event,
to live its significance to the fullest.
I have stopped with particular emotion at the small church of San
Damiano where Francis heard from the crucifix the directive "Go,
Francis, and rebuild my church" (2 Cel 1,6,10). It was a mission
that would start with the full conversion of his heart and would, in
turn, become Gospel leaven handed in abundance to the Church and
society.
I have visited the place in Rivotorto that, according to tradition,
housed the lepers who St. Francis approached with mercy, thus
beginning his penitent life. I have also visited the sanctuary of
the saint's humble dwelling where he lived with the first brothers.
I have been to the Basilica of St. Clare, his "little plant," and
this afternoon, after a visit to the Cathedral of Assisi, I will
stop at the Porziuncola where Francis, in the shadow of Mary,
directed the expansion of his fraternity and where he breathed his
last. There, I will meet the youth so that young Francis, converted
to Christ, may speak to their hearts.
At this moment from the Basilica of St. Francis where his mortal
remains rest, I wish to make mine his prayer: "O Most High, Almighty
God, good Lord, to you, praise, honor and blessing " (Brother Sun
Canticle, 1). Francis of Assisi is a great teacher of our faith and
our praise. When he fell in love with Jesus Christ, he found the
face of God-Love; he became his passionate singer and an authentic
"minstrel of God." In light of the beatitudes, we understand the
meekness and humility with which he related to others, becoming a
witness and agent of peace.
From this city of peace, I want to send my greetings to
representatives of Christian communities and other religions who, in
1986, accepted the invitation of my venerable predecessor to come
here, to the homeland of St. Francis, for a World Day of Prayer for
Peace. I consider it my duty to issue an urgent and heartfelt appeal
from this place to stop all armed conflicts that are bloodying the
earth. May weapons be silenced and may hate yield to love, offense
to pardon, and discord to unity!
We feel here the spiritual presence of all those who weep, suffer
and die at war or because of its tragic consequences in any part of
the world. Our thoughts are directed in particular to the Holy Land,
a place so loved by St. Francis, to Iraq, Lebanon and all the Middle
East.
The populations of these places have experienced for too long the
horrors of war, terrorism, blind violence, the illusion that force
can solve conflicts, and the refusal to listen to the reasoning of
others and do them justice. Only a responsible and sincere dialogue,
sustained by the generous support of the international community
will be able to end so much suffering and give new life and dignity
to individuals, institutions and people.
May St. Francis, man of peace, obtain for us from the Lord, the
grace of an increasing number of people who will agree to become
"instruments of peace" through thousands of small gestures in their
daily lives. May those who are in positions of power be motivated by
a passionate love for peace, an indomitable will to obtain it, and
may they choose the adequate means to reach it.
May the Holy Virgin, who the "little brother" loved with such a
tender heart and to whom he sang with such inspiration, help us to
discover the secret of peace in the miracle of love that took place
in her womb with the incarnation of the Son of God.
[Translation by ZENIT]
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