VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE   
   YEAR XXII - # 104   
   DATE 04-06-2014   
      
   Summary:   
   - THE GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD   
   - TO YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S CHILDREN   
      
   ___________________________________________________________   
      
    THE GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD   
    Vatican City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) - Pope Francis dedicated this Wednesday's   
   general audience to another gift of the Holy Spirit, piety, which he   
   emphasised is not used here in a superficial sense.   
    Piety, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, means "our belonging to God and our   
   profound bond with Him, a bond that gives meaning to all our lives and helps   
   us stay firmly in communion with Him, even in the most difficult moments".   
    The Pope explained to the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St.   
   Peter's Square that this union is not and should not be a duty or an   
   imposition, but is instead an exchange, "something that comes from within, a   
   relationship experienced with the heart: it is our friendship with God, given   
   to us by Jesus, a friendship that changes our life and fills us with   
   enthusiasm and joy. Therefore, the gift of piety arouses gratitude and praise,   
   first and foremost. Indeed this is the reason and the most authentic meaning   
   of our worship and our adoration. When the Holy Spirit makes us aware of the   
   Lord's presence and of all His love for us, this warms our hearts and moves us   
   almost naturally to prayer and celebration. Piety, therefore, is a synonym for   
   authentic religious spirit and filial trust in God, for that capacity to pray   
   to Him with the love and simplicity of those who are humble at heart".   
    This gift, which enables us to live as true children of God, also leads us to   
   love our neighbour and to recognise him as our brother. "And so we are moved   
   to sentiments of piety - not pietism, or outward religiosity. Why do I say   
   'piety' and not 'pietism'? Because there are those who think that piety means   
   closing ones eyes, assuming an image or a saintly face", commented Pope   
   Francis, using a phrase typical of Piedmont, the Italian region from which he   
   originates: "Fare la mugna quacia" (feign ingenuousness, Ed.). "This is not   
   the true gift of piety. The true gift of piety makes us truly capable of   
   rejoicing with those who are joyful, of weeping with those who weep, of being   
   close to those who are in anguish, of correcting those who err, of consoling   
   the afflicted, of welcoming and assisting those in need. There is also a close   
   relationship between piety and quietude", he observed. "The Holy Spirit makes   
   us calm and patient, in peace with God and meekly at the service of others".   
    The Holy Father concluded by quoting from St. Paul's letter to the Romans.   
   "All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. For you did not receive a   
   spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of   
   adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'. Let us pray the Lord that this   
   gift of the Holy Spirit may conquer our fears, uncertainties and also our   
   restless, impatient spirit, and make us joyful witnesses of God and His Love".   
      
   ___________________________________________________________   
      
    TO YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S CHILDREN   
    Vatican City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) - After the Pope's catechesis he addressed,   
   among others, the Polish pilgrims present and in particular the young people   
   who meet each year in Lecnica, at the baptismal fonts of Poland to renew their   
   adhesion to Christ and the Church. "This time", said Francis, "enter deeply   
   into and live the mystery of Jesus' divine sonship and - in Him - of all those   
   who, through Baptism, participate in His life, death and resurrection. Reflect   
   on what it means to be God's children and experience His love. Wish to live   
   this love so as to bear witness to it before others".   
    "Dear young people! Be brave! Respond with enthusiasm to God's love, as His   
   beloved children; respond with trust when you return to the merciful Father as   
   prodigal sons. Always rejoice in the grace of being God's children, and bring   
   this joy to the world. May St. John Paul II, who began your journey to Lednica   
   with you eighteen years ago, guide you and obtain all the necessary grace so   
   that your young lives are full and generous".   
      
   ___________________________________________________________   
      
   For more information and to search for documents refer to the site:   
   www.visnews.org and www.vatican.va   
      
   Copyright (VIS):  the news contained in the services of the Vatican   
   Information Service may be reproduced wholly or partially by quoting   
   the source:  V. I. S. - Vatican Information Service.   
   http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/vis/vis_en.html   
      
   --- MPost/386 v1.21   
    * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS=Huntsville AL=bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)