Pope asks parishioners: are you a dead branch, or united to the vine?

May 04, 2015

Pope Francis visited the Church of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in the coastal Roman suburb of Ostia Lido where he heard four confessions, delivered three short talks to different groups, and celebrated Mass.

Meeting with the elderly and sick, Pope Francis said that the sick follow Christ as he carries his cross and said that something in a community is lacking where the sick are not cared for. Describing himself as “a little old” and “a little sick,” the Pope also asked for prayers.

Speaking to young people, the Pope said that we are all sinners and called upon youth to “get up with the grace of God” after they fall into sin. Joy, he added, cannot be “bought in the marketplace,” but is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is sought in prayer.

As he met with families of children baptized in the past year, the Pope urged them not to abandon the practice of the faith between baptism and First Communion, but instead to remain part of parish life and give “the best legacy that we can give to children: the light of faith.”

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading during his homily at Mass, the Pope asked parishioners whether they are branches that are united to Christ or dead branches that are fit for burning.

“Abiding in means receiving the sacraments: the Eucharist, Reconciliation,” having the “attitude of Jesus,” and living a life of prayer and love for others, the Pope said, while hypocrisy is like a being a dead branch. The Pontiff concluded by the emphasizing the power of prayer in union with Jesus.

 

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Further information:

• Visita pastorale alla Parrocchia romana di Santa Maria Regina Pacis a Ostia Lido (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope celebrates Sunday Mass at Roman parish (Vatican Radio)
• Pastoral visit to the Roman Parish of "Santa Maria Regina Pacis" (Vatican YouTube)