Nothing Like a Mother's Embrace

If part of you still believes the Church wouldn’t want you back, hear Pope Francis’ reassurance:

“To no one does the Mother Church close the door… not even to the most sinful.”

I know what it feels like to return after a long absence. When I studied abroad, I only came home a few times a year. My father would pick me up, but my mother was the one waiting at the window. The moment I stepped out of the car, she was already embracing me. No explanations needed. No conditions. Just love.

Coming back to the Church felt the same. I was nervous, unsure how I would be received. But as soon as the Mass began, I felt at home. My first Confession in decades, my first full Eucharist—they felt like being gathered into loving arms again.

A mother doesn’t wait for perfection. She waits for her child.
And the Church, at her best, does the same.

Note: You can find a translation of the full text courtesy of  Zenit.org here.