At the end of the Holy Mass celebrated on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica for the canonization of Blesseds Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and Artemide Zatti, before the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the Holy Father Francis addressed the following words to the faithful and pilgrims present in Saint Peter’s Square:
Before the Angelus
Before concluding this Eucharistic Celebration, I greet and thank all of you who have come to honour the new Saints. I greet the Cardinals, Bishops, priests, consecrated persons, especially the Missionaries of Saint Charles Borromeo and the Salesian Brother Coadjutors. I gratefully greet the Official Delegations.
Today in Fabriano, Maria Costanza Panas, a Capuchin Poor Clare nun, will be beatified. She lived in the Monastery in Fabriano from 1917 to 1963, when she departed for Heaven. She welcomed anyone who knocked at the monastery door, instilling serenity and confidence in all of them. Seriously ill during her final years, she offered her sufferings for the Second Vatican Council, whose 60th anniversary of opening is the day after tomorrow. May Blessed Maria Costanza help us to always be trustful in God and welcoming toward our neighbour. A round of applause for the new Blessed!
Regarding the beginning of the Council 60 years ago, we should not forget the danger of nuclear war that menaced the world right at that time. Why don’t we learn from history? Even at that moment, there were conflicts and huge tensions, but the way of peace was chosen. It is written in the Bible: “Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16).
I assure you of my prayers for the victims of the mad act of violence that took place three days ago in Thailand. With deep emotion, I entrust their lives to the Father, especially the little children and their families.
And now let us turn to the Virgin Mary that she might help us be witnesses of the Gospel, enlivened by the example of the Saints.
