Catechism of the Catholic Church 336:
From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by [angels’] watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.
Prayer of reflection for Final Day:
Pilgrimage is a symbol of life. It makes us imagine that life is about walking, it is a walk.
Please: do not stand still in life!
We have all had falls, mistakes in life; but if you have made a mistake, get up right away and keep walking. “Sing and walk,” St Augustine said to his faithful; Walk with joy and also walk when the heart is sad, but keep walking. And should you need to stand still, which would be to rest a bit and catch your breath in order to go on afterwards. Sing and walk! Always, sing and walk!
Sing and walk and should you fall, get up: there is the merciful caress of Jesus who forgives all, and there is joy, the joy of the encounter with Jesus.
What does the Lord have in mind for me? Is there joy in my heart, to sing while I walk? If there is no joy, search for it! The Lord will give it to you, He will give it to you through His mercy.
May the Guardian Angel of each one of you speak in your ear: “Sing and walk!”
(Cf. Pope Francis, to Pilgrims from Macerata to Loreto, 2015)
And today we celebrate...