Servant of God Pope John Paul I
(1912-1978)
“My mother taught it to me” John Paul I began his last General Audience in September 1978 by praying the act of charity. “‘My God, I love you with all my heart more than anything else, because you are infinite good and our eternal happiness; and out of love for you I love my neighbor as myself and forgive offenses received. Lord, may I love you always more’. It is a famous prayer with words from the Bible. It was taught to me by my mother. I continue to pray it many times a day.” He pronounced these words about his mother in such a tender tone of voice that those present in the audience room responded with impetuous applause. Among them, a young woman said with tears in her eyes: “How touching it is that the Pope speaks about his mother! Now I understand better what influence we mothers can have on our children.”