Whatever the injustice or injury, do not revert to hatred or violence, Pope Leo XIV has told the faithful, because only love, hope, forgiveness and respect will protect and promote human dignity. Source: OSV News.
“We are in such need of life, hope, serenity and peace – within ourselves, in our cities and among people and nations. For this reason, whatever the wound, whatever the offence, let us not allow evil to disfigure our humanity or corrupt our hearts!” he said in his homily at a Mass on Saturday, marking the feast of Our Lady of the Lake in the town of Castel Gandolfo.
“Let us not conform to the mindset of this world” and not get discouraged, he said. “Let us continue to love, to give and to forgive, offering ourselves ‘as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God,’ so that we may preserve and nurture – in ourselves and in others – the infinite dignity of the divine image we bear in our souls.”
Pope Leo was the third pope after Sts Paul VI and John Paul II to mark the August 29 feast day in Castel Gandolfo, which overlooks Lake Albano, and take part in the Mariano procession from the Church of Maria Santissima del Lago, where the Mass was celebrated, to the volcanic lake.
Surrounded by yellow and white flowers on a small platform, a statue of Our Lady of the Lake was carried through the streets to the lake where more than a dozen boats – including kayaks and jet skis – awaited.
Pope Leo, however, was the first pope to get on the main boat for a ride along the lake, symbolising the Barque of Peter and highlighting the Gospel call to go out into the deep and hold fast to Christ under Mary’s maternal gaze, especially while navigating troubled or uncertain waters.
The boat, adorned with flowers, the Marian statue and the Vatican flag, slowly made its way in the setting sun and flickering lights to another beach where Pope Leo blessed the small crowd and those whose livelihoods depend on the lake.
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Never let injustice, evil in the world corrupt your heart, pope tells faithful (OSV News)
