Pope Francis Inspires Altar Servers to Share Eucharistic Love
Recently, Pope Francis urged nearly 50,000 altar servers participating in the International Pilgrimage of Altar Servers to spread Jesus’ Eucharistic love to those in need.
By Lisa Zengarini
In a gathering at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized the significance of the event’s chosen motto: “With you” (Isa 41:10).
This phrase, he explained, encapsulates the mystery of love that is fundamental to our lives.
During their weeklong pilgrimage in Rome, the altar servers joined the Pope in the square for a special gathering.
Embracing God’s Presence
At the heart of the liturgy they serve, Pope Francis pointed out, these two words “with you” first and foremost signify God’s actual presence in the Eucharist, where He becomes real in the Body and Blood of Christ.
Receiving Holy Communion, according to the Pope, allows us to spiritually and physically experience Jesus being “with us”, not just in words but through the loving act of the Eucharist.
Pope Francis welcoming the Altar servers in St. Peter’s Square
An Expression of Love
Through Communion, the Pope continued, altar servers can express to Jesus, “I am with you,” not just in words but with genuine love from the heart and body.
By serving with a mindful, loving attitude, altar servers embody the essence of God’s presence, allowing them to interact with others in a profound manner, fulfilling His directive to “love one another as I have loved you.”
Embracing All
Being with Jesus also entails being close to our neighbors, not just in words, but in actions, gestures, and with a compassionate heart, even towards those we may find challenging or different from us.
In conclusion, Pope Francis commended the organizers for selecting such a poignant motto and the pilgrims for journeying to Rome to embrace the joy of serving Jesus and sharing His healing love with others.
Pope Francis addressing the pilgrims
Introduction by Cardinal Hollerich
The audience was greeted by Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich, who will guide the pilgrims throughout the week.
The Archbishop of Luxembourg emphasized that the motto “With you” invites everyone to become “true friends of humanity through Christ’s assistance”. True friendship, he stressed, is demonstrated by reaching out to serve and support those in need: “the marginalized, the oppressed, the homeless, the refugees, those without a homeland, and the unemployed.”
The Ceremonial Event
Following the Pope’s address was a liturgy of the Word, featuring six prayer intentions delivered by Cardinal Hollerich in German, French, Hungarian, and Portuguese, including prayers for global peace. The conclusion of the ceremony saw Pope Francis personally greet each bishop accompanying the altar servers and then proceed to interact with the young pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
