Archbishop tells children to encounter Christ though reading Gospel

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oct 30, 2012 / 15:06 pm

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires told thousands of children gathered in the Argentinean capital to "encounter Jesus" in the poor, Holy Communion and in the frequent reading of the Gospel.

Cardinal Bergoglio celebrated the traditional Archdiocesan Mass for Children on Oct. 27 at the Parque Roca Stadium in Buenos Aires.

During his homily, he encouraged children to "seek after Jesus" and to find Him by "opening your hearts," participating in the Sacrament of Holy Communion and seeing Him in those in need.

"Who told us that we can find Jesus in those most in need?" the cardinal asked. "Mother Teresa," the children shouted in response.  

"And what did Mother Teresa have in her arms? A crucifix? No. A child in need. So, we can find Jesus in each person who is in need," he said.

After noting that very few children raised their hands when asked if they read the Gospel, Cardinal Bergoglio encouraged the children to say to their priests, "Father, teach me the Gospel."

He also reminded them that the strength for encountering Jesus "is in the family, in mom and dad."  The cardinal then invited the children to stand up and give "a big round of applause to the Virgin Mary."

At the conclusion of the Mass, Cardinal Bergoglio thanked the children for attending and those who made the Mass possible, as well as catechists and parents. He also expressed gratitude to Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Garcia of Buenos Aires, who has helped organize the Mass for 25 years.