By Kielce Gussie
Celebrating the World Day of the Poor on 16 November, Pope Leo contemplated the day’s Gospel, which “invites us to reflect on the travails of history and the end times.” However, Jesus encourages us not to be afraid of the wars and insurrections that will occur at the end of the world.
Jesus’ message, the Pope pointed out, is very pertinent today as we unfortunately “receive daily news about conflicts, disasters and persecutions that torment millions of men and women.”
Yet, in the midst of these struggles and the indifference that tries to ignore them, Jesus offers words of comfort to those who trust in Him. “The darker the hour, the more faith shines like the sun”, Pope Leo stressed.
Twice in the Gospel of Luke Jesus warned that many will face violence and persecution because of His name, and they will have the opportunity to bear witness to Christ. The Pope reiterated that everyone is called to follow Jesus’ example.
Persecution can take many forms—not only through weapons and death but also through words, lies, ideological manipulation. Particularly when enduring these trials, “both physical and moral, we are called to bear witness to the truth that saves the world; to the justice that redeems peoples from oppression; to the hope that shows everyone the way to peace.”
In a prophetic way, Jesus’s words reveal that disasters and sorrows will not last forever, but will end. However, Pope Leo noted that “at the same time, the joy of those who recognize him as Savior, is destined to last forever.”
Enduring the trials and challenges of the end times, we will “gain” our souls. This promise, the Pope explained, “gives us the strength to resist the threatening events of history and every offense.” In these times of persecution, Jesus will give us the words to say.
Concluding, Pope Leo looked to the example of the martyrs, who throughout the Church’s history, have served as reminders “that God’s grace is capable of transforming even violence into a sign of redemption.”
Joining in with our brothers and sisters who continue to face suffering and persecution for Jesus’ name around the world, the Pope invited us all to seek Mary’s intercession as the Help of Christians. “In every trial and difficulty, may the Blessed Virgin console and sustain us.”
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The Angelus is a special prayer recited by Catholics three times a day, at 6am, noon, and 6pm and is accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell. The name comes from the Latin word for Angel and the prayer itself reminds us of how Jesus Christ assumed our human nature through the Mystery of the Incarnation.
The Pope recites the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square every Sunday at midday.
He also gives a brief reflection on the Gospel of the day and often comments on some issue of international concern. The Pope’s words are broadcast all over the world on radio and television and widely shared on social media.
From Easter to Pentecost the Regina Coeli is prayed instead of the Angelus. This prayer commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and, like the Angelus, concludes with the recitation of the Gloria three times.
Angelus
Angelus Dómini nuntiávit Mariæ.
Et concépit de Spíritu Sancto.
Ave Maria…
Ecce ancílla Dómini.
Fiat mihi secúndum verbum tuum.
Ave Maria…
Et Verbum caro factum est.
Et habitávit in nobis.
Ave Maria…
Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei génetrix.
Ut digni efficiámur promissiónibus Christi.
Orémus.
Grátiam tuam, quǽsumus, Dómine,
méntibus nostris infunde;
ut qui, Ángelo nuntiánte, Christi Fílii tui incarnatiónem cognóvimus, per passiónem eius et crucem, ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur. Per eúndem Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Amen.
Gloria Patri… (ter)
Requiem aeternam…
Benedictio Apostolica seu Papalis
Dominus vobiscum.Et cum spiritu tuo.
Sit nomen Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus,
Pa ter, et Fi lius, et Spiritus Sanctus.
Amen.
The Angelus Prayer
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc…
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it done unto me according to Your Word.
Hail Mary, etc…
And the Word was made Flesh.
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc…
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord,
Your Grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation of Christ,
Your Son by the message of an angel,
so by His Passion and Cross
we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Glory be, etc… (3 times)
Eternal rest…
Apostolic Blessing
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Now and forever.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Who has made Heaven and Earth.
May Almighty God bless you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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