We pray for the many brothers and sisters who seek refuge far from their native lands, who seek a home where they can live without fear: that they might always be respected in their dignity.

To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us.

How many young people, how many young people of our Europe, whom we have left empty of ideals, who do not have work... they take drugs, alcohol, or go there to enlist in fundamentalist groups.

If God, in the Christmas mystery, reveals himself not as One who remains on high and dominates the universe, but as the One who bends down, descends to the little and poor earth, it means that, to be like him, we should not put ourselves above others, but indeed lower ourselves, place ourselves at the service of others, become small with the small and poor with the poor. It is regrettable to see a Christian who does not want to lower himself, who does not want to serve. A Christian who struts about is ugly: this is not Christian, it is pagan.

The culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.

These two criteria are like the pillars of true love: deeds, and the gift of self.

Let us pray for all good and faithful priests who dedicate themselves to their people with generosity and unknown sacrifices.