VATICAN: Pope Francis Prays for Media Personnel for Their Engagement of People During COVID-19

By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

As people continue to observe restrictions laid down by various states to curb the spread of Coronavirus which has led to isolation and loneliness, Pope Francis has offered prayers to all those working in media so that the feeling of seclusion is minimized through their dissemination of information.

“Today I would like us to pray for all those who work in the media. They are working to communicate so that people don’t find themselves isolated,” Pope Francis said during his morning Mass on Wednesday, April 1, adding that the media helps to educate children and give information that “helps us live this time of isolation.”

Speaking during the homily, the Holy Father reminded the faithful that discipleship is the true identity of a Christian, if one is to be a true follower of Christ.

“The Christian identity is not an ID card that says I am a Christian. No, it is discipleship. If you remain in the Lord, in the Lord’s word and in the life of the Lord you will be a disciple,” hence, “discipleship is the true identity of Christians,” Pope Francis said during a televised Mass at Casa Santa Marta.

The Pope highlighted that a disciple is one who is guided by the Spirit. “To remain in the Lord means to allow oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, to be someone who is always free and is never subject to ideologies, to doctrines within the Christian life, doctrines that can be disputed, but remains in the Lord and the Spirit inspires him or her.”