1. Today in Italy we are celebrating the Day of Thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth gathered during the year.

The main celebration is being held in Genoa, chosen this year as the "European Capital of Culture". I willingly join in the prayers that are being raised by the Ecclesial Community of Genoa and by all those who work in various capacities in the agricultural sector.

2. For us Christians, the Eucharist is the fullest expression of thanksgiving. At every holy Mass, we bless the Lord, God of the universe, and present to him the bread and the wine, fruits "which earth has given and human hands have made". Christ bound to these simple foods the sacrificial offering of himself. United with him, believers too are called to offer to God their lives and their daily work.

3. May Mary, Mother of God, teach us to be grateful to the Lord for all that nature and human labour produce for our sustenance, and may she make us willing to share our resources with those in need.

After the Angelus, the Pope said:

I greet the pilgrims present, particularly the members of Verona's Association of Scholae Cantorum, accompanied by the Vicar General of the Diocese.

I wish you all a good Sunday!

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