Vatican City, 14 July 2014 (VIS) – On
Sunday morning the Holy Father sent a video message to patients in
Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital, in which he apologised for be
unable to attend the visit planned for 27 June, cancelled due to an
unexpected indisposition. “I extend my apologies not only to the
hospital directors but to all those who have worked with such effort
and passion. Above all, I include the patients waiting to be able to
pray together during the Holy Mass, whom I would have liked to greet
personally”.
Francis encouraged the sick to
cultivate in prayer “the flavour of the things of God; bear witness
that your strength lies in God alone. You who, as patients,
experience the frailty of the body, can offer a powerful testimony to
those who are near you of how the Gospel and the merciful love of the
Father are a precious asset in life, not money or power. Indeed, even
when a person is important according to a worldly logic, he is not
able to add even one extra day to his own life”.
The Pope commented that the summer
vacations were approaching and that many people go on holiday to
relax. “However, summer is also a difficult moment especially for
the elderly and the sick, who are more likely to remain alone and who
encounter greater difficulties in obtaining certain services,
especially in big cities. So, this time of repose is also the time in
which the difficulties in life can become even greater”. He
concluded by highlighting the passion and dedication of the hospital
staff, and thanked them warmly for their work. “I truly looked
forward to meeting with you but, as you well know, we are not the
masters of our own lives and things do not always go to plan. We must
accept our frailty. With me, cultivate the trust that our strength
lies in God alone. I entrust you to Mary and ask that you continue to
pray for me, as I need your prayers”.
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