My brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it.

Let us always pray for one another.

Do not forget this: the Lord never wearies of forgiving! We are the ones who weary of asking for forgiveness.

In mission, also on a continental level, it is very important to reaffirm the family, which remains the essential cell of society and the Church; young people, who are the face of the Church's future; women, who play a fundamental role in passing on the faith and who are a daily source of strength in a society that carries this faith forward and renews it.

True charity requires courage: Let us overcome the fear of getting our hands dirty so as to help those in need.

We are a church of sinners but we must not be afraid of holiness. Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way that is with love, joy and faith.

The obsession with economic profit and technical efficiency puts the human rhythms of life at risk.