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Charity Begins at Home: Pope Visits Vatican Shelter, Greets Residents
Source: Catholic News Service -- Read Full Story
They welcomed him with a red paper garland, smiles and a few whispered words about themselves. Pope Benedict XVI's 45-minute visit Jan. 4 to the Vatican's shelter for the poor and homeless was distinctly simple and low-key. It began with a song about Jesus, sung by the Missionaries of Charity sisters who run the institution. In the small, crowded women's dining room, an atmosphere of quiet dignity prevailed. The pope greeted each of the women personally, and they shook his hand or kissed his ring. This was not a media event, and the pope didn't dish up soup or wait on tables. "I am here to tell you the pope loves you and is close to you," he said in a brief talk. To the roomful of women who have fallen on hard times, he said he wanted to remind them that "God never abandons us."
They welcomed him with a red paper garland, smiles and a few whispered words about themselves. Pope Benedict XVI's 45-minute visit Jan. 4 to the Vatican's shelter for the poor and homeless was distinctly simple and low-key. It began with a song about Jesus, sung by the Missionaries of Charity sisters who run the institution. In the small, crowded women's dining room, an atmosphere of quiet dignity prevailed. The pope greeted each of the women personally, and they shook his hand or kissed his ring. This was not a media event, and the pope didn't dish up soup or wait on tables. "I am here to tell you the pope loves you and is close to you," he said in a brief talk. To the roomful of women who have fallen on hard times, he said he wanted to remind them that "God never abandons us."
January 4, 2008 - 0 comments
