In his prepared words to the women gathered, Pope Francis, underlined how “widowhood is a particularly difficult experience”, adding that some pour their energies into their children and grandchildren.
The Pope said that with their consecration, the widows showed that it was possible, with the support of members of the Church, to live a life of service by exercising their family, professional and social responsibilities.
The Lord’s gift
Your consecration in widowhood, noted Pope Francis, “is a gift that the Lord gives to his Church to remind all the baptized that the power of his merciful love is a path of life and holiness, which allows us to overcome trials and be reborn in hope and in the joy of the Gospel.”
I invite you, therefore, he said, “to keep your gaze fixed on Jesus Christ and to cultivate the particular bond that unites you to Him. Because it is there, in the heart to heart with the Lord, listening to his word, that we draw the courage and perseverance to give…the best of ourselves through our consecration and our commitments.”
Simplicity and Humilty
Pope Francis then urged the widows to use their experiences help the young and the poor, showing them the tenderness of God and his closeness in love.
In this way, he went on to say, “I encourage you to live your consecration in daily life with simplicity and humility.”
Among those present on Thursday were the Fraternity of Our Lady of the Resurrection and the Community of Anne the Prophetess who are present in a number of countries and have been prematurely widowed. Their aim is to affirm the sustainability of married love anchored in Christ and intercede for couples.
