Pope Francis: We must witness to Christ not only with words but in everyday life

During the Regina coeli with pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis spoke about the Ascension of Our Lord. "Before parting from his friends, Jesus, referring to the event of his death and resurrection, told them, 'You are my witnesses' that is, the disciples, the Apostles are witnesses of the death and resurrection of Christ, on that day, even at the Ascension of Christ."

The Holy Father went on to say, "In fact, after seeing their Lord ascending into heaven, the disciples returned to the city as witnesses who joyfully announced to everyone the new life that comes from the Risen Christ, in whose name 'they would preach to all nations repentance and forgiveness of sins.'

"This is the witness - not only with words but also with everyday life - the testimony that every Sunday should go out of our churches in order to enter throughout the whole week into our homes, our offices, our schools, our gathering places and entertainment venues, our hospitals, prisons, and homes for the elderly, into places crowded with immigrants, on the outskirts of the city. We must carry this witness every week: Christ is with us; Jesus is ascended to heaven; He is with us; Christ is alive!"

Pope Francis also recalled that it was Mothers' Day, saying: "Let us remember with gratitude and affection all mothers - "those, our mothers, who are here with us in the Square, those who are still with us on earth, and those who have gone to heaven, and we entrust them to Mary, Mother of Jesus."

The Holy Father then led a recitation of the Hail Mary especially for mothers.

Source: Vatican Radio