Pope invites Argentina to reconciliation, enlightenment, communion and mission

By Christopher Wells

During his final Mass in Argentina, Pope Leo

The Holy Father began his homily by recalling the “richness” of the country, “not only in its geography, but also in its population”, particularly in “the creativity, spontaneity and the life that overflows at every moment”.

Noting that the mass was celebrated in the basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Lujan, patroness of Argentina, Pope Leo also recalled Pope Francis, his predecessor, and his deep devotion to the Mother of God. Mary, he says, standing at the foot of the Cross, unites herself to the Eucharistic Sacrifice and accompanies us on this journey.

Reconciliation and enlightenment

The first step of the journey, reconciliation, calls us to “receive God’s grace and to undertake processes of forgiveness and reconciliation that renew within us peace, hope and charity.”

Recalling the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Pope then invited the faithful, in the second stage of the journey, to be enlightened by the word of God, especially when they feel “tired, discouraged and disappointed”.

Communion and mission

After “reconciliation and illumination by the word of God,” Pope Leo continued, “we are called to communion.” He insisted that there is a place for everyone at Christ’s table, especially for those who need it most.

“The diverse sensitivities present in the Church and the strong convictions which animate each one are a source of wealth if they remain anchored in the certainty that unity is a gift received and a responsibility to be fulfilled,” he declared, quoting his own encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas.

The final stage of the journey is “sending on mission,” the Pope concluded. He called the faithful to “go and proclaim… go and evangelize.” “Argentina, get up and walk!” » he said, inviting them to do everything out of love.

Under the mantle of Our Lady of Lujan

Pope Leo concluded his homily by entrusting himself and his apostolic mission to Notre-Dame de Lujan. “Like millions of Argentines who come to you to implore your maternal protection,” he declared, “I too wish to take refuge under your cloak.”

And he asked the Holy Mother to “guide and accompany the Argentine people on their journey” and to “help them build bridges of charity and networks of solidarity; to inspire in him the desire to continue on paths of reconciliation, communion and mission, enlightened by the word of your Son Jesus Christ and firmly anchored in Him.”