POPE FRANCIS MEETS FAMILIES FROM THE PARISH OF SAINT BRIGID OF SWEDEN AT A BLOCK OF FLATS FOR THE 3RD MEETING OF THE "SCHOOL OF PRAYER"

Pope Francis’ "School of prayer" in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee has reached its third session. Yesterday afternoon the Holy Father, accompanied by the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, met around 30 families from a condominium in the parish of Saint Brigid of Sweden, in the popular Roman neighborhood of Palmarola (Borgata Ottavia area), on the extreme western outskirts of the city.

This was the third stage of the initiative marking the Year of Prayer. During the meeting, adapting his answers to the needs of the condominium residents, the Pope spoke with young families, elderly people living alone, grandparents and children in a space adjacent to the flats, set up between lock-ups for cars and walls which are still being built. He spoke to them about the importance of "protecting the family" and answered, as usual, the questions of those present.

“We defend the family, which is the oxygen needed for raising children. But even in families there are storms. If parents argue that's normal, but they should take the chance to make peace before the day is over, because the cold war the next day is terrible," said the Pope

To a group of young people who asked the Holy Father how to increase their faith, he replied that "the only way is testimony. You have the responsibility to carry history forward … One of the beautiful things about young people is that they get back up. We all fall in life, but the important thing is not to stay down if you slip."

He also talked about the Church as a community of people, and not just a place of worship. In fact there are far fewer churches in this neighborhood than in other areas of the city of Rome. A lady spoke of her emotion at seeing the Pope "in front of a still unfinished brick wall", because it "made him feel part of their community". The Pope said: “The Church begins in the community … A parish where children are not listened to, and the elderly are airbrushed out of sight is not a true Christian community. Don't forget, the elderly are our memory and the children are our promise."

Two fathers asked the Pope how to keep the faith in these difficult times and how to raise their children in the faith.

“The first piece of advice is for parents to love each other,” replied the Holy Father. “Children need to feel that mum and dad love each other. If you have to argue, don't do it in front of the children."

The value of dialogue with children was also underlined. “Never stop talking to them. Education is done through dialogue, never leave them alone. Make them understand that they can talk to you about anything."

On previous visits, Pope Francis had spoken with the young people of the parish of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, on May 24th, and then he explored the theme of the "Prayer of thanks" on April 11th, with the children of the First Communion class in the parish of Saint John Vianney.

Before concluding, the Holy Father gave the families rosaries and left the condominium residents a painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus, which will be kept in the building in memory of today's meeting.