Church leader implores congregation to empathize with suffering of mistreated parishioners, unite in shared healing journey.
Pope Leo XIV Leads Jubilee of Consolation Prayer Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Leo XIV called for renewed prayer and spiritual renewal during a poignant prayer vigil held in St. Peter's Basilica on September 15, 2021. The event, part of the ongoing Jubilee of Consolation, was dedicated to those experiencing difficulty, grief, suffering, or hardship.
Attendees at the prayer service were given a special gift - the 'Agnus Dei,' a wax medallion depicting the Paschal lamb and Rome's Marian icon, the 'Salus Populi Romani.' These medallions, blessed by the pope, served as a symbol of divine comfort and mercy.
Two women, Lucia Di Mauro and Diane Foley, shared their stories at the vigil. Lucia, whose husband was murdered in Naples, Italy, spoke about forgiveness and support for the young man who was an accomplice in the crime. Diane Foley, on the other hand, spoke about her son, James W. Foley, a U.S. journalist who was kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately beheaded by members of ISIS in 2014.
The prayer vigil was a beacon of hope for those experiencing pain and affliction due to illness, bereavement, violence, or abuse. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that finding comfort and consolation that can overcome evil is crucial, and in the church, this means never being alone.
The pope also appealed to the leaders of nations to listen to the cries of innocent children and ensure them a future that protects and consoles them. He expressed confidence that God will inspire hearts and hands to provide help and consolation to peacemakers.
During the vigil, prayer intentions were read aloud for various groups, including those persecuted for their faith, victims of violence and terrorism, children who are abused and neglected, victims of human trafficking, the abandoned, those suffering from addiction, and those mourning the death of a loved one or child.
Pope Leo XIV stated that pain should not lead to violence, and forgiveness is a foretaste of the kingdom of God on earth. He concluded by emphasizing that the church stands with those in need, offering comfort, hope, and a path towards healing. The Jubilee of Consolation, led by Pope Leo XIV, continues to provide solace and strength to countless individuals around the world.
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