2023-10-02 13:13:14
In his message on October 1, 2023, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the founding of the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood (Thirubala Alliance), Pope Francis recalled the organization’s origins.
C. Roubini Chinnapa9 CTC, Vatican News
The Pope said that following learning regarding the hunger, orphanhood and deaths suffered by children in China, his deep concern for their physical and spiritual salvation and the thought that the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, is for the salvation of all, prompted the bishop of Nancy, Charles de Frobin Jansen, to start this institution in France in 1843.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of following Bishop Janssen’s example by caring for the physical and spiritual well-being of others as disciples of Jesus. Thus, following 180 years, the Pope also praised the enduring mission of the Tiru Bala Alliance in making children and teenagers missionaries all over the world.
On this special occasion, the Pope also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of St. Kochutresia of Lisieux, a notable member of the Tirubala Alliance and mediator of missionaries. Pope Francis underlined the importance of prayer as a powerful missionary tool, emphasizing that even the youngest among the Popes can come to know Jesus, love Jesus and quietly help others through prayer, noting that the missionary spirit of little Thresia, the mediator of mission work, was in prayer.
The Pope encouraged the children to grow in their relationship with Christ, foster friendship among themselves and become representatives of peace. In particular, Pope Francis thanked the young missionaries and commended their parents and mentors for fostering the spiritual values promoted by the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood, which imparts faith, our precious treasure, along with material help.
Pope Francis recognized the vital role of their alliance as a universal institution of the Catholic Church and the papacy and called on them to build bridges and relationships following the example of Christ.
Mon. Continuing in the tradition given by Charles de Forbin Jansson and following the shortcut of St. Little Thrace, “Children pray for children, children evangelize children, children help children.” In his message, Pope Francis called for faithfulness to their motto.
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