Pope To Bulgarian Children On Holy Communion : A Loving Heart Can Lead To Miracles

Tags: Currents Faith, Inspiration

Currents News Staff

While visiting Bulgaria this week, Pope Francis presided over a Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in the city of Rakovsky.

Children from the parish community were also receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time.

Although less than one percent of the country’s population is Catholic, more than 200 children were present at the Mass to celebrate the sacrament with the Holy Father.

During his homily, the Pope reminded the children that purity of heart is the pathway to God’s miracles, something he wanted them to keep in mind from their first Communion moving forward.

“Some miracles can only take place if we have a heart like yours: a heart capable of sharing, dreaming, feeling gratitude, trusting and respecting other people,” he said.

Francis also asked those about to receive communion to prepare themselves by opening their hearts and minds to Jesus, and offering forgiveness to those with whom they may have had conflicts.

“Come to the altar to receive Jesus in silence,” he told them.

“Keep silence in your heart and think this is the first time Jesus has come to you. If you’ve fought with anyone, forgive them from the heart before coming for communion,” he said.

To mark the occasion, Pope Francis presided over the Mass wearing a stole gifted to him by the country’s authorities.