While millions of people are involved in the worldwide tide of migration, Pope Benedict XVI told his Sunday audience on January 15 that “they are not just numbers!”
“They are men, women, and children, the young and the old, who seek a place in which to live in peace,” the Pope said. As the Church observed the World Day for Migrants, the Holy Father reminded his audience of his message for that occasion, and its central theme: “that migrants are not just recipients but also active protagonists of the announcement of the Gospel to the modern world.”
Before reciting the Angelus at his midday audience, the Pope offered some reflections on the day’s Scripture reading about the calling of the prophet Samuel. Noting the wise advice given to young Samuel by Eli, the older priest, the Pope observed that it is common for an older priest to help a young man discern the calling to a priestly vocation. He underlined “the decisive role spiritual guidance has for the journey of faith and, in particular, for responding to a vocation of special consecration to serve God and His people.”
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