Pope recalls evils, acts of love of 2015

January 04, 2016

In his last public act of 2015, Pope Francis presided at Vespers, the chanting of the Te Deum, and exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Peter’s Basilica on the evening of December 31.

Referring to “the joy of thanksgiving that spontaneously flows from our prayer, to recognize the loving presence of God in the events of our history,” the Pontiff said that the Te Deum has accompanied the Church on important moments of her pilgrimage.

“We cannot forget that many days have been marked by violence, by death, by the untold suffering of many innocent people, of refugees forced to leave their homeland, of men, women, and children without stable residence, food, and sustenance,” he preached. “Yet, how many great acts of kindness, love and solidarity have filled the days of this year, although it did not become news.”

“These signs of love cannot and should not be obscured by the arrogance of evil,” he continued. “The good always wins, even if at times it can appear weak and hidden.”

 

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Further information:

• Celebration of the Vespers and the Te Deum 2015.12.31 (YouTube Vatican)
• Celebrazione dei primi Vespri della Solennità di Maria Santissima Madre di Dio e “Te Deum” di ringraziamento per l’anno trascorso, 31.12.2015 (Holy See Press Office)
• Booklet for the Celebration (Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff)
• Pope Francis: the good always wins (Vatican Radio)