He noted that mothers-in-law were often depicted as “unpleasant” figures.
“But the mother-in-law is your husband’s mother, she is your wife’s mother,” he said. “We think today of this somewhat widespread sentiment that the further away the mother-in-law is the better. No! She’s a mother, she’s elderly.”
[embedded content]
“One of the most beautiful things about grandmothers is seeing the grandchildren — when their children have children of their own, they come alive again. Take a good look at the relationship you have with your mothers-in-law: sometimes they are a bit special, but they have given you the motherhood of your spouse, they have given you everything. At least you must make them happy, so that they may carry on their old age with happiness. And if they have any defects, you have to help them correct themselves.”
“And to you, mothers-in-law, I say: be careful with your tongue, because its misuse is one of the worst sins of mothers-in-law. Be careful.”
Concluding his reflection, he said: “If the young open themselves to gratitude for what they have received, and the elderly take the initiative of relaunching their future, nothing can stop the flourishing of God’s blessings among peoples.”
“I recommend that the young talk to the grandparents, that the young speak to the old, that the old talk to the young. This bridge must be rebuilt in a strong way — there is a current of salvation, of happiness there.”
“May the Lord help us, doing this, to grow in harmony with families, that constructive harmony that goes from the oldest to the youngest, that beautiful bridge that we must protect and safeguard.”
After the pope’s address, a summary of his catechesis was read out in seven languages and he greeted members of each language group, as well as offering an additional greeting to Croatian visitors, who included a delegation from the country’s ministry of defense.
He urged Portuguese-speaking pilgrims to engage in “unceasing prayer for peace.”
“Silence the weapons, that those who have the power to stop war may hear the cry for peace of all humanity,” said the pope, who greeted children with Ukrainian flags at the end of the audience.
(Story continues below)
Addressing English-speaking Catholics, he said: “I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s audience, especially those from England, Denmark, and the United States of America.”
“In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you!”
Speaking to Polish pilgrims, Pope Francis recalled that eight years ago he presided at the canonization of St. John Paul II, who led the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005.
“Today, on the eighth anniversary of the canonization of St. John Paul II, through his intercession, let us ask to be faithful witnesses of Christ and his merciful love in the world, in the family, and in the workplace,” he said. “I bless you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Join Our Telegram Group : Salvation & Prosperity
