Pope Francis encourages a delegation from the University “Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani,” in Tbilisi, Ga to use understanding and faith to dispel the darkness of indifference and hatred.
By Sophie Peeters
Pope Francis achieved on Monday with associates of the “Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani” College in Georgia as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their foundation.
Greeting professors, students, and pals of the university, the Pope thanked them for their check out, indicating they characterize the importance of education and learning and cultural research.
The education and learning of young persons, the Pope continued, supplies new prospects to improve and discover about oneself.
In Ga, “a young country but one with an ancient record,” Pope Francis explained their university signifies the lengthy and fruitful collaboration amongst Catholics and Orthodox in the cultural and academic spheres.
Training as a light-weight to combat the darkness of hatred
In his deal with, Pope Francis famous that the term “education” in the Georgian language, “ganatleba,” will come from the phrase “light:” Schooling, like a lamp placed in a dark room, has the means to transform the look of almost everything.
In a environment stuffed with the darkness of hatred, the Pope explained there is a sturdy have to have for the “illumination of figuring out,” which in of alone restores the memory of the past and sheds mild on the current.
Awareness is important to being aware of oneself, and, in switch, identifying religion and God. Moreover, it is by means of tradition and instruction that we can restore the “memory of the previous and lose light on the current, which is “indispensable for the expansion of a youthful person” and of society.
Youth as cultivators of Religion and Joy
Youthful men and women are essential in this purpose, Pope Francis continued, as their brave joy and love of life enable faith and joy to be cultivated.
The background of Georgia also embodies this transition from darkness to light-weight, the Pope claimed, for there were being several situations the country was able to glow throughout times of issues ensuing from overseas invasion and domination. The Georgian people today have been capable to resist these moments of difficult “precisely for the reason that of their religion and lifestyle”.
Inside of these times of demo, Pope Francis discussed, the function of the Catholic Church was indispensable, offering areas to nurture the religion of the Georgian people today and make a neighborhood.
This is embodied in the existence of their institute, which presents the chance to distribute the wonderful and one of a kind “Georgian humanism” to the planet.
Concluding his handle, the Pope inspired the customers to be a “gentle light” for young folks a gentle that opens up horizons and expands boundaries to some others.