On Sunday, December 15, bishops, priests, deacons, religious and seminarians from Corsica gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption to join Pope Francis in praying the Angelus. During his second event in his one-day apostolic visit to the French island, the Pope expressed his gratitude to those present for their daily dedication, despite the challenges they face.
Among these challenges, the Pope mentioned the difficulty of spreading the Gospel in Europe, where resources are scarce, the number of faithful is small and society often shows indifference. However, Pope Francis considered this “poverty” as a blessing, as it frees us from the illusion that success depends solely on our own strength. He reminded everyone that the focus must be on God and not on the “self.” This humility, he emphasized, helps us keep our gaze on Christ, who acts through our actions.
The Pope also encouraged everyone to reflect on how they are living their priesthood, their consecration and their life as disciples. He then invited the attendees to focus on two aspects of care: self-care and care for others. Speaking about the importance of caring for oneself, Pope Francis explained that religious vocation is not a one-time “yes,” but a constant renewal. He stated that “one does not live for the Lord” and stressed the need to participate in the Eucharist and to have moments of silence. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a balance in life to avoid burnout, suggesting that it is essential to devote time to rest, dialogue and personal interests, as well as to foster fraternity.
Referring to the people they serve, the Pope quoted St. Paul, who expressed his willingness to give himself for others. He stressed that evangelization requires faith, creativity and courage to review old methods and adopt new ways of connecting with people. But above all, he stressed that it is about establishing encounters: bringing the hope of Christ to those who suffer, to the lost and to those who are searching for a purpose. This involves embracing compassion and forgiveness, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation
***
