Pope Francis finishes his catecheses on the 14 works of mercy

Pope Francis concluded his catecheses on the works of mercy by explaining the remaining two: praying for the living and the dead, and burying the dead.

The pope praised the many people that "risk their lives in order to give decent burial to the victims of war.” He also said that "praying for the living and the dead is especially meaningful in this month of November, when we commemorate the faithful departed.”

The pope reminded the pilgrims that even though the catecheses have come to an end, the works of mercy should "continue to inspire and guide Christian lives.”

SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH 

"Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we conclude our series of catecheses on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The last of the corporal works of mercy, burying the dead, is not untimely, when we think of the many people who risk their lives in order to give decent burial to the victims of war and armed conflict in various parts of our world. 

Like Joseph of Arimathea, who offered his own tomb for the burial of Jesus, we Christians devoutly bury our dead in hope of the resurrection. The last of the spiritual works of mercy, praying for the living and the dead, is especially meaningful in this month of November, when we commemorate all the faithful departed.

Prayer for the living and the dead is an eloquent expression of the communion of saints. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, who knows our deepest desires and hopes, and embrace in our prayer all those in any kind of need. May the corporal and spiritual works of mercy on which we have meditated throughout the Holy Year continue to inspire and guide our Christian lives on the path of God’s mercy.

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, the Philippines and the United States of America. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke an abundance of joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!”

SOURCE:

http://www.romereports.com/2016/11/30/pope-francis-finishes-his-catecheses-on-the-14-works-of-mercy