By Sarah Mac Donald - 03 February, 2014
Pope Francis has said a Church without nuns would be “unthinkable”.
In his address for World Day for Consecrated Life, the Jesuit Pope highlighted the value which nuns bring to the Church.
He was speaking ahead of Sunday’s Angelus after Mass for the Feast Day of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, which is traditionally dedicated to consecrated life.
The Pope said that the Church and the world needs the witness of religious and consecrated lay people to the love and the mercy of God.
He asked for prayers so that many young people might say “yes” to God who calls them “to consecrate their lives to Him and to be of service to their brothers and sisters”.
The Pontiff asked what would happen “if there were no nuns? No nuns in hospitals, in missions, in charitable institutions, in schools… Can you even imagine a Church without nuns…? No, it is unthinkable!” he said.
He added that nuns are great women who are “a gift, the leaven that carries the message of Christ”. He added, “These women are great!”
Pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square were told that consecrated persons in different sectors are “the leaven of a more just and fraternal society” and that “Consecrated Life is a gift of God to the Church and to His people”.
The Pope also reminded the Church that 2015 will be dedicated to consecrated life and he asked for prayers for this initiative.
After the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis reminded those present that in Italy this year’s ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated with the theme ‘Generating the Future’.
He sent his greetings and encouragement to those committed to the defence of life from its conception to its natural end.
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