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Pope Francis’ Greeting members of the “Gaudium et Spes” Foundation (of Joy and Hope)Friday, February 14, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Gaudium et Spes Foundation (of Joy and Hope)
It is with joy that I welcome you today in this Jubilee Year which we have just begun and which makes us all “pilgrims of hope.”
I want to thank you for the work you carry out, especially for the poorest, following the teachings of the Conciliar Constitution from which you took your name and which you honor with your actions.
In this line, the Foundation and its works make present the validity of this document, which coincides with the synodal spirit of the Church, where we are all united in Christ, forming a universal brotherhood, as members of his Body
(1 Corinthians 12:12 – For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
and
Romans 12:5 – we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another).
This union is realized through the Holy Spirit, who is Love, and is manifested in solidarity, especially with those who suffer most.
This abiding in Christ makes us family, brothers and sisters, with the same dignity.
And the nourishment of this family, which gathers to eat together at Mass on Sundays, is the Eucharist. We form one body because we eat of the same bread
(1 Corinthians 10:17 – Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.).
It is the spiritual meal that is served to all equally and makes us live in communion with God and our brothers and sisters.
This power of the Holy Spirit leads us to be instruments of God’s love, which wants to reach all people, without distinction.
Therefore, in this Holy Year I want to thank you for being a source of hope for many people who suffer and are discouraged, who through your works feel that God caresses and consoles them in the midst of their pain.
May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin watch over you. And do not forget to pray for me.
I will also pray for you.
