Pope Francis marked the end of 2024 by reciting the eucharistic hymn “Te Deum” at the end of the first twilight for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Written by Christopher Wells
Pope Francis led the Church in thanking God for the blessings of 2024 and presided over the Te Deum at the end of the Solemn First Twilight of Mary, Mother of God.
In his homily, the pope said Mary helps us read the “signs of the times” in the light of the mystery of Jesus.
First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God
Rome: convened to welcome you all
On the eve of 2025, the Pope reflected on the massive efforts Rome has seen over the past year in preparation for the Jubilee. These works are valuable in and of themselves and reflect Rome’s special mission to “welcome all peoples, so that they may recognize themselves as sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters of one another.” This is particularly important insofar as it corresponds to
The Pope said he was especially grateful to God for allowing us to work “for this cause, with this broad perspective that is the hope of fraternity.”
Pope Francis declared that “the hope of the world lies in fraternity,” and said that in recent months the city of Rome has been preparing to welcome not only Catholics but also “men and women from all over the world, including other Christians, Christians and Christians.” ” he expressed his joy. Believers of all religions, seekers of truth, freedom, justice, and peace, and pilgrims of hope and fraternity. ”
Pope Francis presides over the Solemn First Vespers of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God
Jesus, the foundation of human fraternity
But, he asked, is human fraternity just a slogan or can it be built on solid foundations?
“Mary, Mother of God, gives us the answer by pointing us to Jesus,” he said. “The hope of the fraternal world is Christ,” declared Pope Francis. “We all are what we are, children of our Father in heaven, and therefore incarnate Sons sent by the Father to be brothers and sisters.” There are sisters among us. ”
So, while praising the much work completed in the lead-up to the Jubilee, the Pope acknowledged that the “definitive construction site” lies within each of us, that God is making it possible for us to change. He said that each and every one of us must recognize that this is the place where we work. “There is nothing in me that is not worthy of a son or daughter…and I resolve every day to live as a brother and sister to my neighbor.”
The Pope concluded his homily with a prayer: “May our Blessed Virgin Mary help us to walk together on the path of fraternity as pilgrims of hope.”
