Pope: Gossip undermines preaching of the Gospel
Vatican news
Pope Francis meets the Carmelite sisters, messengers of the Holy Spirit, and invites the nuns to lead a life of prayer and evangelization in accordance with their tradition.
By Devin Watkins
“The words of Saint Paul must resonate in the heart of every baptized person: “Woe is me if I do not proclaim the Gospel!” »
Pope Francis made the reminder Friday as he held an audience with Carmelite Sisters Messengers of the Holy Spirit, many of whom came on pilgrimage from Brazil and parts of Europe.
He recalled that this year, the institute celebrated its 40th anniversary and elected a new leadership team during its 4th General Chapter.
The Pope said this year offers religious sisters a “beautiful reminder of the daily commitment to the service of evangelization and the dissemination of the Word of God, which must reach all.”
He added that all Christians have the duty to preach the Gospel to the whole world, urging religious people to always avoid the temptation of gossip.
“Gossip opposes the preaching of the gospel, because gossip causes us to condemn others,” he said. “The gospel, however, is always welcoming.”
As Carmelites, the Pope said, religious have a special mission to lead a life of evangelization and prayer.
“In your Institute,” he concluded, “this missionary impulse for evangelization in various areas is closely linked to contemplation and a life of prayer which follows the ancient and beautiful Carmelite tradition.”
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