Bangkok, prayers for Pope Francis and Benedict XVI on Palm Sunday
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Prayers for Pope Francis, who "began his mission as bishop of Rome" and for the "health" of Benedict XVI, Pope emeritus. This is how Catholics celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday, recalling the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, answering the invitation launched by Msgr. Louise Chamnien Santisukniran, President of the Thai Episcopal Conference.
The bishop presided at the solemn Eucharistic celebration, along with Card. Michael Mechai Kitbunchu, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok and Paul Tschang In-nam, apostolic nuncio to Thailand, a native of South Korea. The ceremony was held in the Cathedral of the Assumption, in the presence of Thai Catholic leaders, foreign ambassadors, representatives of other religions, priests, men and women religious, as well as a thousand faithful.
In his homily, the president of the bishops conference reiterated the message of Card Kitbunchu who recently participated in the congregations of cardinals before the conclave. "Pope Francis has asked all of us - said Msgr. Santisukniran - to walk with a humble heart, to strengthen the Church and to express our faith through prayer and proclamation of the Word of God." He also highlighted the testimony of "love and service" that comes from the successor of St. Peter.
Leaflets were distributed with the Thai translation of Pope Francis' homily at Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate, as well as a brief outline of the new bishop of Rome and a photo. At the end of Mass, the choir sang the song "San Francisco" - O Lord, make me a channel of your peace ... - And a song dedicated to the Pope in the local dialect. "God has given us Pope Francis - Msgr. Joseph Chusak Sirisut, of the diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima told AsiaNews- an ideal Pope for these times, who has stripped down the pomp and wants to be close to the poor, for a true Church of the poor" .
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