Pope Says This Friday Is Day to Thank God for Cloistered Religious

At the end of today’s general audience, Pope Francis noted that this Friday, Nov. 21, is the liturgical Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Noting the Church will celebrate the Day pro Orantibus, dedicated to cloistered religious communities, he said, “It is an opportune occasion to thank the Lord for the gift of so many persons that, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and in onerous silence, acknowledging in Him that primacy that belongs only to Him.”

In his Italian remarks, he greeted young professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs taking part in a congress promoted by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Pontifical Universities of Rome.

He called on them “to promote ways and attitudes that help to overcome social and economic exclusion” and said he hopes the initiative “will contribute to foster a new mentality in which money is not considered an idol to serve but a means to pursue the common good.”

Pope Francis also gave a special greeting to those participating in the International Colloquium on the Contemplarity of Man and Women promoted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and taking place this week in the Vatican, Nov. 17-19.

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On ZENIT’s Web page:

Full Translation: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/full-text-of-pope-s-general-audience-catechesis-nov-19th

On the NET:

For More Information on “Complimentarity of Man and Woman” Seminar (including videos, and discourses): http://humanum.it/en/