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February 20, 2023Abu Dhabi.
Below is the full text of the thanksgiving speech delivered by Bishop Paolo Martinelli at the Thanksgiving Prayer Service held at St. Francis Church in the Abrahamic Family House, Saadiyat Island, on 19 February 2023.
“Authentic teachings of religions invite us to remain rooted in the values of peace; to defend the values of mutual understanding, human fraternity and harmonious coexistence”.
These expressions contained in the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Al Tayeb can be considered words that express well the meaning of the solemn liturgy of thanksgiving for the reality of the Abrahamic Family House and in particular of this church.
We have entered a new phase in the history of religions. With the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, a prophetic and far-sighted document, religions are presented in their original capacity to collaborate and contribute together to the formation of a more humane world, in which we all recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters, called to fraternity, to coexistence and tolerance, mutual acceptance and the promotion of justice and peace.
We wanted to celebrate this moment of thanksgiving this evening, especially for the gift of this church within the Abrahamic family house. A church donated to Pope Francis and dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint of universal brotherhood, peace and reconciliation, and the saint of the custody of creation.
His Holiness Pope Francis wanted to take the name of this great saint precisely to recall the value of fraternity, peace and creation and to show the priority of closeness between human beings, especially for those who are in poverty and in need.
May prayers of peace, reconciliation and benevolence always rise to heaven from this place of worship.
May the memory of Christ Jesus, whom we consider the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, son of the Most High and redeemer of the world, be a blessing for all.
May the Gospel be the source of commitment to peace and justice and contribute to the progress of people and the joy of all.
On behalf of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, I wish to thank all those who have worked to arrive at the inauguration of this place of meeting and prayer.
We thank the Most High for the gift of life and for having given people the intelligence and heart to work in favour of peace and coexistence.
We thank the rulers of the United Arab Emirates, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his vision for this House. I thank Mr. Abdulla Al Shehhi, the Director of the Abrahamic Family house, Sir David Adjaye who designed this Project and all those who built this church.
I am grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for his mission for a universal Brotherhood and especially for sending his apostolic message at the inauguration of the Abrahamic family house.
Thanks to His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue for his commitment towards a document on Human Fraternity. Cardinal Ayuso was present at the inauguration of the Abrahamic Family House and the First Forum on Human Fraternity that was held here two days ago.
I express my deepest Gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Michael Louis Fitzgerald for presiding over this solemn liturgy of thanksgiving today. His presence is a sign of closeness and communion with the Holy Father.
Thanks to your Excellencies, Monsignors, Fathers, Reverend Sisters and all my dear people for your presence today. May the Lord pour out his Spirit of wisdom and peace in abundance on all who come here to pray with faith, hope and love.
And may the blessing of the Most High descend upon all.