The Secretary of State of His Holiness, Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent a message today on behalf of Pope Francis to those who are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the landing on the beaches of Normandy.
His Holiness, Pope Francis is united in prayer with all those who have come to commemorate the dramatic events which took place on the beaches of Normandy seventy years ago, and is praying for peace. He sends a cordial greeting to His Eminence, Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris, to His Excellency, Jean-Claude Boulanger, Bishop of Bayeux et Lisieux, and to the representatives of other ecclesial communities as well as to all persons who have gathered to commemorate this significant anniversary.
The Holy Father pays homage to the numerous soldiers who left their homelands and landed on the beaches of Normandy in order to fight against the Nazi barbarism and to liberate occupied France. He also remembers the German soldiers who were dragged into the drama as well as all the victims of the war. It is right that present generations should express their gratitude toward all those who made such great sacrifices. It is by the passing on of memories and by the education of future generations to respect every person created in the image of God that it is possible for us to envision the hope of a better future.
This commemoration reminds us that the exclusion of God from the lives of persons and societies can only bring about death and suffering. In the Gospel of Christ, European nations can discover the Prince of Peace, the root of their history and a source of inspiration for strengthening among themselves ever more fraternal and supportive relationships.
The Holy Father prays that Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, co-patron of Europe, who shares her name with the bell that has been blessed to mark this occasion, may be a guide and a protector for us all as we travel the road and endeavor to establish and promote peace. Confiding each of the participants to the protection of the Virgin Mary, he willingly imparts his Apostolic blessing.
Pietro Cardinal Parolin
Message of Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness
for the 70th Anniversary of the landing at Normandy
His Holiness, Pope Francis is united in prayer with all those who have come to commemorate the dramatic events which took place on the beaches of Normandy seventy years ago, and is praying for peace. He sends a cordial greeting to His Eminence, Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris, to His Excellency, Jean-Claude Boulanger, Bishop of Bayeux et Lisieux, and to the representatives of other ecclesial communities as well as to all persons who have gathered to commemorate this significant anniversary.
The Holy Father pays homage to the numerous soldiers who left their homelands and landed on the beaches of Normandy in order to fight against the Nazi barbarism and to liberate occupied France. He also remembers the German soldiers who were dragged into the drama as well as all the victims of the war. It is right that present generations should express their gratitude toward all those who made such great sacrifices. It is by the passing on of memories and by the education of future generations to respect every person created in the image of God that it is possible for us to envision the hope of a better future.
This commemoration reminds us that the exclusion of God from the lives of persons and societies can only bring about death and suffering. In the Gospel of Christ, European nations can discover the Prince of Peace, the root of their history and a source of inspiration for strengthening among themselves ever more fraternal and supportive relationships.
The Holy Father prays that Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, co-patron of Europe, who shares her name with the bell that has been blessed to mark this occasion, may be a guide and a protector for us all as we travel the road and endeavor to establish and promote peace. Confiding each of the participants to the protection of the Virgin Mary, he willingly imparts his Apostolic blessing.
Pietro Cardinal Parolin
No comments:
Post a Comment