Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The twofold significance of the Feast of the Ascension which will be celebrated on Thursday 25 May, and in some countries the following Sunday, was the theme of the reflection proposed to people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 21 May for the recitation of the midday Regina Cæli prayer. The Acts of the Apostles tell us that for forty days after his resurrection Jesus appeared many times to his disciples and then "was lifted up as they were looking on”. “This last act of Christ is of twofold significance - the Pope explained -. First of all, going “up”, he reveals his divinity unequivocally: he returns to whence he came, that is God, after completing his mission on earth. Moreover Christ ascends into heaven with the humanity he assumed and resurrected from the dead: that humanity is ours, transfigured, made divine, which has become eternal. The Ascension, therefore, reveals the lofty calling of every human person called to eternal life in the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of love, light and peace”.
The Holy Father then recalled that on the feast of the Ascension the Church also celebrates World Day of Social Communications, with the theme this year: "The media: network of communication, communion and cooperation". The Pope said “the Church gives great attention to the media because they are an important means for spreading the Gospel and encouraging solidarity among peoples by drawing attention to the serious problems which still afflict many nations ”. On this subject, the Pope mentioned the "Walk the World" event, an initiative promoted by the United Nations World Food Program to combat hunger in the world. "Its aim," he said, "is to sensitize governments and public opinion to the need for concrete and immediate action in order to guarantee everyone, especially children, 'freedom from hunger.' "I remain close to this initiative in prayer," the Holy Father added. "And it is my heartfelt hope that, with a contribution from everyone, we may overcome the blight of hunger that still afflicts humanity and places the life hopes of millions of people at serious risk. I am thinking, primarily, of the dramatic situation in Darfur, Sudan, where serious difficulties persist even in satisfying the primary food needs of the population."
Before reciting the prayer the Pope entrusted to the Blessed Virgin Mary those oppressed by the scourge of hunger ”and those who go out to help them and those who, through the social communications media, contribute to strengthening links of solidarity and peace between peoples. Lastly he asked Our Lady to “render fruitful the apostolic trip to Poland which, God willing, I will be making from Thursday to Sunday in recollection of the beloved John Paul II."
Then after greeting the visitors in various different languages, the Pope mentioned that on Saturday 3 June, the eve of Pentecost, he will meet members of at least one hundred different Church movements and new communities from all over the world: He continued: “I well know the significance for the Church of their educational and missionary [activity] which was so appreciated, supported and encouraged by the beloved John Paul II. Together we will celebrate the first Vespers of the Solemnity of Pentecost, trustingly invoking the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of the faithful and announce to everyone the message of love of Christ, Savior of the world”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/5/2006 - righe 38, parole 541)
