Pope tells children, Jesus 'never forgets you'

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 12:12 pm

Pope Benedict XVI met with the youngest members of the Italian Catholic Action group on Saturday morning for their traditional pre-Christmas audience.  He spoke to the group about accessing Jesus' "wavelength" and sharing his message with those who need him most.

Referring to the group's theme this year, "We're on the air," and their focus on the biblical image of Zaccheus, the Pontiff told the children that they were like little Zaccheus, who climbed the tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus.  And, just like with Zaccheus, the Lord notices the little ones, he sees and hears them, he wants establish a friendship with them, Pope Benedict said. 

"He synchronizes himself with your wavelength," said Benedict XVI.

The Holy Father concluded by inviting each of them to imitate Zaccheus, receiving the Lord into their homes and never ceasing to find joy in him, in the good times and the bad.

"Only the presence of Jesus in your lives gives full joy, because he is capable of always making everything new and beautiful.  He never forgets you."

The Holy Father told the children: "If you tell Him every day that 'you're on the air,' expect that He'll surely call on you to send you a message of friendship and affection," a message that you can share with others in your life, "especially with those who come from faraway countries and are often abandoned, without parents and without friends."

The children—ranging from 4 to 14 years-old—were accompanied by the National President of Italian Catholic Action, Dr. Franco Miano, and the General Assistant, Monsignor Domenico Sigalini. 

According to the Italian Catholic Action website, it is a "lay association committed to living the experience of the faith, the announcement of the Gospel and the call to sainthood, each 'to his or her own measure' and in community."  The organization celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2008.