In an inspiring address to a group of Vietnamese Catholics from the United States on Dec. 19, Pope Francis highlighted their vital contributions to the universal Church through their support of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA. The audience gathered in Rome as part of their pilgrimage ahead of the Jubilee Year, received the Pope’s message with gratitude and a renewed commitment to their missionary call.
The Holy Father began by expressing his joy in welcoming the group, emphasizing the significance of their pilgrimage to the Eternal City:
“I am pleased to greet you during your pilgrimage to Rome, which occurs only a few days before the opening of the Holy Door marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year. It is my desire that this time will enable all the faithful to have a genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ whom we must proclaim always, everywhere and to all as our hope.”
Pope Francis commended the benefactors from Vietnam for their dedication to supporting missionary and charitable works, which he described as a “concrete expression” of proclaiming the Gospel’s hope. By contributing to the global Church’s efforts, the group embodies the spirit of solidarity that has characterized the Christian community since the Apostolic era.
Drawing from Saint Paul’s writings, the Pope encouraged them to embrace their missionary support with joy and cheerfulness:
“Your solidarity with the poor and those on the peripheries of society reflects the Lord’s command to care for the least among us, and, as Saint Paul reminds us, it is important that such assistance be given with a cheerful heart and a smile.”
Acknowledging the unique contribution of Vietnamese Catholics in the United States, Pope Francis highlighted the resilience and deep faith they brought with them from their homeland. This enduring faith, he remarked, fuels their desire to extend help to Christian communities in need across the globe.
Concluding his address, Pope Francis offered his blessings and a personal request:
“May your journey serve to renew your faith as well as strengthen you in charity. I willingly impart my blessing to you and your families, and I ask you please, not to forget to pray for me.”
The Pope’s words serve as a reminder of the Church’s interconnectedness and the transformative power of acts of charity. As the group continues their pilgrimage, they carry with them a renewed mission: to bring the hope of the Gospel to those on the margins and embody Christ’s love and compassion.
The Pontifical Mission Societies is a network of four pontifical organizations that together aid some 1,110 mission dioceses around the world.The four bodies are the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood, the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle and the Pontifical Missionary Union.
