Pope in love: "A real marriage is not one that just lasts."
On St. Valentine's Day, lovers from all over the Earth gathered in the square near St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican: prayers, poems and music sounded. Message from the Pope to young people about to get married: "Do not be afraid of the word forever". The ability to be together and love, no matter what, is a test for married Christians. "
They arrived from all over the world to meet with Pope Francis on a day dedicated to lovers. More than 25 thousand engaged couples accepted the invitation of the head of the papal Council for Family Affairs, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, to celebrate Valentine's Day with the Pope. The pontiff met with young people on Piazza San Pietro for Happiness From Forever ", an unprecedented action that thousands of people joined in the shortest possible time. Songs, poems, and prayers were sounded on the crowded square before the audience.
"Don't build your love in the sand"
Three engaged couples representing all the lovers turned to Pope Francis with three questions.
"They sent them to me in advance," the Pope joked, "so I had time to think well." “Is it possible to love forever?” He quoted. “Many are afraid of final decisions, this fear is inherent in our culture. Our consciousness is more likely to be together while love lasts. But love, if it has a solid foundation, grows like a house that you build together, not alone. " Dad insisted: “We must not allow the culture of the“ temporary ”to defeat eternal values. Fear“ forever ”passes with each new day lived together.“ Forever ”is not only a matter of duration, but rather of quality. Marriage will not be real simply because that it’s registered and lasts. "
And one more thing: love, as the Pope reminded, is “a path that does not end after you have won each other. This is a daily movement with its own rules, which can be expressed in three words. I already told them to families, and you can learn them, to use among themselves: let me thank you and forgive. So, the Pope is sure, a Christian family is growing. "There is no perfect family; we sinners are.". Then Francis recalled what he had once said before: “Jesus teaches us one secret: never end your day without asking forgiveness and making peace. Never, never, never.”
“In general, each of us is ready to blame the other and justify ourselves. This is what the Bible says about Adam. God asked him: Adam, did you eat an apple?” “I don’t, she gave it to me ... Therefore, shifting the blame on my neighbor is a long story. not new, ”added Pope Francis. “This is an instinct that has caused many disasters. Let's learn to recognize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness.”
Politeness and respect is the secret to building a life together: you must "politely enter the lives of others: although sometimes people behave quite rudely, as if they had just left the mountains!"
“Make it a real holiday, Christian, not secular,” the Pope advised a young couple who asked how best they could celebrate the wedding. “It will be wonderful if your wedding is moderate and emphasizes really important values. Many are more worried about external symbols: a banquet, photographs, dresses and flowers ... These are important things for the celebration, but only if they reflect the real reason for your joy: blessing from your God love. "
Dad's twitter
Before meeting with youth, Papa posted the news on his page on Twitter. He urged young people not to be afraid: "Boys and girls, do not be afraid to get married: bound by a faithful and prolific marriage, you will be happy."
