And with a little sense of humor we can say that there are Christian bats who prefer the shadows to the light of the presence of the Lord.

In a family, parents, grandparents and children feel at home; no one is excluded. If someone has a problem, even a serious one, even if he brought it upon himself, the rest of the family comes to his assistance; they support him. ... Should the same not happen in society?

This visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda. Together with many people throughout the world, I have admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of this natural disaster, and so many others.

During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.

Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with him is shown in times of difficulty.

God asks everything of us, yet at the same time he offers everything to us.

Let us ask Mary to help us fix our eyes intently on Jesus, to follow him always, even when this is demanding.