Pope Francis celebrates Holy Thursday Mass despite health concerns

This Holy Thursday, Pope Francis celebratesChrism MassIn St. Peter’s Basilicain the Vatican, joined thousands of faithful, cardinals, bishops and priests in reaffirming the promises they made at the time of their divine ordination.

The Pope entered the historic temple in 2017 wheelchairHe has been suffering from bronchitis and influenza intermittently for more than a month, which has led him to limit his interventions in public and cancel some meetings. However, he specifically asked to be able to officiate at this important ceremony in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

In a 20-minute homily, Francis addressed priests, who traditionally renew their ordination commitments on this day. “How we need to liberate ourselves from resistance and criticism, from selfishness and ambition, from strictness and dissatisfaction, and to surrender and intercede before God., find in Him a peace that can save you from any storm. Let us worship, pray and cry for others,” he said.

Despite the pope’s health issues, he has a busy schedule this weekend. On Thursday afternoon, he will visit the women’s wing of Rome’s Rebibbia prison, where he will celebrate Holy Thursday’s Coena Dominican Mass and wash the feet of the center’s 12 inmates, just as Jesus did at the Last Supper During this period, it was like washing the feet of the apostles.

Meanwhile, on Good Friday, he will host way of the cross Last year he missed events in front of the Colosseum due to the cold, as he was already suffering from bronchitis.On Holy Saturday we will celebrate Easter Vigil

Sunday, in St. Peter’s Square, Resurrection Mass and urbi et orbi blessing.