To the figure of Saint John Chrysostom, known as the Chrysostom, or "Golden mouth", because of his eloquence, Pope Benedict XVI devoted this morning his catechesis for the general audience in Saint Peter’s Square. His lesson about "the truly Christian presence of the lay devotees in the family and in society said the Pope remains more relevant than ever, in this day and age". The Pope highlighted that John Chrysostom is mainly concerned about "accompanying with his writings the full development of the person, in its physical, intellectual and religious dimensions". Hence a few lessons about the child’s education to faith and its escorting into adult age. A process that starts from childhood, "the age at which one’s bent for vice or virtue becomes apparent". "God’s Law said the Pope, quoting Chrysostom’s lessons must be imprinted in one’s soul since the very start", because, "as a matter of fact this is the most important age". Chrysostom recalled the Holy Father advises the parents to guard their children "since the most tender age" "with spiritual arms" and to teach them "to cross their foreheads". (continued)
