(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received an unusual presentation at the end of his General Audience on Wednesday: A representation of Noah’s Ark made out of over 140 kilograms of chocolate.
It is a gift of “La banda degli Orsi” [The Band of Bears], which is a charitable organization in Genoa that supports the city’s Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital. The organization has over 200 volunteers who visit patients and their families every day.
The chocolate ark took three days to build, and contains over 50 edible animals made by pastry chefs and chocolatiers from all over Italy. Several extra animals were made, and have been sold by “La banda degli Orsi” to raise funds for the Genoa hospital.
The Chocolate Ark was also to be used to support patients of a children’s hospital, but in a more direct way: At the end of the Audience, the Ark was donated as a special dessert for the young patients at the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, located in Rome.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis highlighted the role of dignified work in the integral development of society on Wednesday. His remarks came during the weekly General Audience, in words of greeting to Italy’s Federazione Maestri del Lavoro – an organization of veteran laborers and professionals over the age of 50 with at least 25 years’ experience in their respective fields, who have shown exemplary skill, diligence, and moral character throughout their careers.
The Federation is celebrating the 60 th anniversary of its founding.
“Let this recurrence contribute to the encouragement of social and economic inclusion, especially among the weakest levels of the population,” Pope Francis said.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) During his last General Audience before the close of the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis drew inspiration from the spiritual work of mercy, to bear wrongs patiently, telling the faithful in St Peter’s Square during his catechesis that exercising patience was a virtue. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report:
He said that, “in showing patience to those who wrong us and, by extension, to those we find irritating, we imitate God’s own patience with us sinners.” The Pope added, “it also happens at times that annoying people are the ones closest to us…” Among relatives there is “always someone”, he said. “There are also people who irritate us in the workplace and even in our spare time.” Pope Francis went on to say that in the Bible there are many examples of God’s patience and recalled the patience Jesus had during the three years of his public life. Exercising patience with others, the Pope said, “challenges us to reflect on our own conduct and failings. He also noted, the patience shown by the many parents, catechists and teachers who, he said, “quietly help young people to grow in faith and knowledge of the important things in life.” At the end of the Audience the Holy Father appealed to the international community to ensure the rights of children are protected. He made the call ahead of Universal Children’s Day which is observed on November 20th The Pope appealed to the conscience of all, institutions and families, to ensure that children are always protected and their welfare is secure, so that they never fall into “forms of slavery, recruitment into armed groups and mistreatment.” The Holy Father expressed the hope that the international community would be vigilant about their lives, to ensure that every child has the right to school education, so that their growth is serene and they can look confidently to the future. Pope Francis also remembered the victims of the recent earthquake in Central Italy, saying, “we pray for them and the families and continue to offer our solidarity to those who have sustained damage.” (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday during his General Audience highlighted that on November 20th the International Day of Rights will be observed. The Pope appealed to the conscience of all, institutions and families, to ensure that children are always protected and their welfare is secure, so that they never fall into “forms of slavery, recruitment into armed groups and mistreatment.” The Holy Father expressed the hope that the international community would be vigilant about their lives, to ensure that every child has the right to school education, so that their growth is serene and they can look confidently to the future. (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis during his General Audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday reflected on the spiritual work of mercy, to bear wrongs patiently, telling the faithful during his catechesis that patience is a virtue.
Below find the English language summary of the Pope’s words
Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our catechesis for this Holy Year of Mercy, we now consider the spiritual work of mercy which is bearing wrongs patiently. In showing patience to those who wrong us and, by extension, to those we find irritating, we imitate God’s own patience with us sinners. Exercising patience with others also challenges us to reflect on our own conduct and failings. Patience is also required in two related spiritual works of mercy: admonishing sinners and instructing the ignorant. We think of the patience shown by the many parents, catechists and teachers who quietly help young people to grow in faith and knowledge of the important things in life. Helping others to look past the ephemeral, to discover the Lord’s will in their lives and thus to find lasting joy, is a great act of charity. By serving our brothers and sisters in this way, our own minds and hearts are purified and renewed. May the Holy Spirit grant us the generosity and patience needed to support and encourage those around us, so that together we may cherish the things that truly matter.
(from Vatican Radio)…