Pope Francis described the unity and love within the Holy Trinity as similar to a family to some 50,000 young people who attended the first World Children’s Day on Trinity Sunday.
“We pray to God, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. How many ‘gods’ are there? One in three persons,” a Vatican Media report quoted the pontiff.
Pope Francis engaged the children in understanding their prayers. He asked, “When we pray to God the Father, what is the prayer that we all pray?” The children responded, “The Our Father.”
Pope Francis encouraged them to seek guidance from God, “the Father who created and loves you deeply.”
He highlighted Jesus’ role in their lives. “We pray to Jesus because He helps us, stays close to us, and even when we receive communion, we receive Jesus and He forgives all our sins,” he said.
He asked the children, “Is it true that Jesus forgives everything?” They responded, “Yes!”
The pope then described the Holy Spirit as the divine presence within the faithful, received through Baptism and the Sacraments.
“The Holy Spirit is the one who accompanies us in life,” he told the children.
He encouraged them to repeat this phrase together. He said that the Holy Spirit guides them to do good and provides comfort and strength during challenging times.
Pope Francis asked about Mary, the Mother of Heaven. “What is the name of our Mother in Heaven?” he inquired. The children responded, “Mary.” Together, they recited the Hail Mary.
Pope Francis urged the children to pray for their parents, grandparents, and ill children, and for peace in the world.
“Pray for us,” he said, “so that we can go forward, all of us.”
