Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The preaching of the deacon Philip in the city of Samaria was accompanied by numerous healings and, as narrated in the Acts of the Apostles, "there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8.8). From this passage of the Scriptures, proclaimed in the Sunday Liturgy, originated the reflection of the Holy Father Benedict XVI before reciting the Regina Caeli prayer with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, on Sunday, May 29. "It is possible that the world will know true joy, because wherever the Gospel reaches , life flourishes" underlined the Pope. "Philip and the other disciples, with the power of the Holy Spirit, in the villages of Palestine did what Jesus did: preached the Good News and miraculous signs occurred. It was the Lord that acted through them. As Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, the disciples proclaimed the risen Jesus, professing that He is the Christ, the Son of God, baptized in his name and driving out all sickness from the body and spirit".
Benedict XVI then drew the attention on the "healing power of the Gospel, which over the centuries has 'watered', as a beneficial river, many people." Together with some great Saints, many missionaries, whose name is known to God, " gave their lives to preach the message of Christ and to flourish among men deep joy" he added. "While the powerful of this world try to conquer new territories for political and economic interests, Christ's messengers went everywhere with the aim of bringing Christ to men and men to Christ, knowing that only He can give true freedom and eternal life. Even today the vocation of the Church is evangelization: both for the people who have not yet been 'watered' by the living water of the Gospel, and to those who, despite their ancient Christian roots, need new lymph to bring new fruits , and rediscover the beauty and joy of faith. "
The Holy Father recalled the Blessed John Paul II: "he was a great missionary, as documented in an exhibition held in Rome in this period. He re-launched the mission ad gentes, and at the same time, promoted the new evangelization. We put one and the other in the hands of the Holy Mary. The Mother of Christ always and everywhere accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel, so as space in the world multiplies and grows where people find the joy of living as children of God "(SL) (Agenzia Fides 30/05/2011 )
