On Sunday 25 May 2014, Cardinal Stanislaw Ryłko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presided at a Mass in Munich Cathedral to mark the 46^th anniversary of the founding of the Sant’Egidio Community.

Cardinal Rylko said during the homily that one of the great signs of hope in the life of the Church in our times is the flourishing of so many ecclesial movements and new communities. The Sant’Egidio Community has a special place among them.

In addition to the Sant'Egidio representatives from Germany and Austria who were present, there were also many of the poor who receive help from the Community. Cardinal Ryłko reminded all, in their presence, that we are called every day to be “God’s caress” for those who may have forgotten the first caresses they received in life, or who may not ever have been caressed. He said that the Sant’Egidio Community has always been engaged in building a “culture of encounter” with the two pillars of listening to God’s word and to the voice of the poor.

Cardinal Ryłko spoke about Pope Francis’ advice to Christians to avoid being self-referential and to live in joy. He emphasised that the source of our deep joy is in a personal meeting with Christ. The cardinal said that this can be seen in the Sant’Egidio Community. Every initiative and activity starts with Jesus by listening to his Word. This give them strength to go out and be with others. This is the starting point for everything. From the time of its foundation, the Sant’Egidio Community has chosen to give the foremost place to prayer.

Cardinal Ryłko’s homily is available here in italian and german.