Thank you, Pope Francis

On the 10^th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare, has sent the Pope a message on behalf of the whole Movement which is published below.

Your holiness, dear Pope Francis

I am united with all the prayers that are being offered, in so many parts of  the world, to thank God for these ten years in which you have embraced the Church and humanity being the bearer of Christ’s love.

Thank you, Holy Father, for this time of light, courage and unwavering faith. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit, with whom you continuously call us to “go out” from our homes and communities, to journey on the roads of the world and to share joys and sorrows with the women and men of our time.

I still have in my heart the joy and gratitude I felt at our last meeting, on 24 February, when together with some of the moderators of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, you  invited us to meet you. Once again we witnessed your far-sighted wisdom and evangelical realism, and I want to tell you that your words guide and encourage me every day in my service to the Church and to fraternity among all people.

The topics we discussed with you, Your Holiness, will be the subject of reflection and sharing. In particular, your recommendation to be coherent witnesses and to be docile to the new ideas given by the Spirit, so that the Marian dimension of the Church can be seen, together with the rich contribution that women can make to ecclesial life, also through the contribution made by the Movements.

Know that, wherever we are in the world, we are with you to build the Church and to give our lives so that peace may return wherever it is lacking, and bear fruit in justice and reconciliation among peoples.

Together with our daily prayer, I send you, also on behalf of the Focolare Movement, my warmest wishes for all that you desire and for your health. May Mary, Most Holy, be at your side with her motherly love and care.

With filial affection,

Margaret Karram