The message from Pope Francis today during World Youth Day to a group of people at Saint Francis of Assisi Hospital in Rio de Janeiro reminds me of the importance of standing with others in their struggle from addictions. We all know people who are trapped in this web of pain. Pray for the insight to know how to be a bearer of hope to them. I pray especially for those who are facing consequences from their addictions. Give them hope…. give them and their families peace.
Address of Pope Francis to the community of the Saint Francis of Assisi Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, July 24, 2013
Dear friends, I wish to say to each of you, but especially to all those others who have not had the courage to embark on our journey: You have to want to stand up; this is the indispensible condition! You will find an outstretched hand ready to help you, but no one is able to stand up in your place. But you are never alone! The Church and so many people are close to you. Look ahead with confidence. Yours is a long and difficult journey, but look ahead, there is “a sure future, set against a different horizon with regard to the illusory enticements of the idols of this world, yet granting new momentum and strength to our daily lives” (Lumen Fidei, 57). To all of you, I repeat: Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope! And not only that, but I say to us all: let us not rob others of hope, let us become bearers of hope!