VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - # 104
DATE 04-06-2014

Summary:
- THE GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD
- TO YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S CHILDREN

___________________________________________________________

 THE GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD
 Vatican City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) - Pope Francis dedicated this Wednesday's
general audience to another gift of the Holy Spirit, piety, which he
emphasised is not used here in a superficial sense.
 Piety, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, means "our belonging to God and
our profound bond with Him, a bond that gives meaning to all our lives and
helps us stay firmly in communion with Him, even in the most difficult
moments".
 The Pope explained to the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St.
Peter's Square that this union is not and should not be a duty or an
imposition, but is instead an exchange, "something that comes from
within, a relationship experienced with the heart: it is our friendship
with God, given to us by Jesus, a friendship that changes our life and
fills us with enthusiasm and joy. Therefore, the gift of piety arouses
gratitude and praise, first and foremost. Indeed this is the reason and the
most authentic meaning of our worship and our adoration. When the Holy
Spirit makes us aware of the Lord's presence and of all His love for us,
this warms our hearts and moves us almost naturally to prayer and
celebration. Piety, therefore, is a synonym for authentic religious spirit
and filial trust in God, for that capacity to pray to Him with the love and
simplicity of those who are humble at heart".
 This gift, which enables us to live as true children of God, also leads us
to love our neighbour and to recognise him as our brother. "And so we
are moved to sentiments of piety - not pietism, or outward religiosity. Why
do I say 'piety' and not 'pietism'? Because there are those who think that
piety means closing ones eyes, assuming an image or a saintly face",
commented Pope Francis, using a phrase typical of Piedmont, the Italian
region from which he originates: "Fare la mugna quacia" (feign
ingenuousness, Ed.). "This is not the true gift of piety. The true
gift of piety makes us truly capable of rejoicing with those who are
joyful, of weeping with those who weep, of being close to those who are in
anguish, of correcting those who err, of consoling the afflicted, of
welcoming and assisting those in need. There is also a close relationship
between piety and quietude", he observed. "The Holy Spirit makes
us calm and patient, in peace with God and meekly at the service of
others".
 The Holy Father concluded by quoting from St. Paul's letter to the Romans.
"All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. For you did not receive
a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of
adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'. Let us pray the Lord that
this gift of the Holy Spirit may conquer our fears, uncertainties and also
our restless, impatient spirit, and make us joyful witnesses of God and His
Love".

___________________________________________________________

 TO YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S CHILDREN
 Vatican City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) - After the Pope's catechesis he
addressed, among others, the Polish pilgrims present and in particular the
young people who meet each year in Lecnica, at the baptismal fonts of
Poland to renew their adhesion to Christ and the Church. "This
time", said Francis, "enter deeply into and live the mystery of
Jesus' divine sonship and - in Him - of all those who, through Baptism,
participate in His life, death and resurrection. Reflect on what it means
to be God's children and experience His love. Wish to live this love so as
to bear witness to it before others".
 "Dear young people! Be brave! Respond with enthusiasm to God's love,
as His beloved children; respond with trust when you return to the merciful
Father as prodigal sons. Always rejoice in the grace of being God's
children, and bring this joy to the world. May St. John Paul II, who began
your journey to Lednica with you eighteen years ago, guide you and obtain
all the necessary grace so that your young lives are full and
generous".

___________________________________________________________

For more information and to search for documents refer to the site:
www.visnews.org and www.vatican.va

Copyright (VIS):  the news contained in the services of the Vatican
Information Service may be reproduced wholly or partially by quoting
the source:  V. I. S. - Vatican Information Service.
http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/vis/vis_en.html

--- MPost/386 v1.21