27 February 2013
Here is Pope Benedict XVI's last public message, today's Wednesday Audience.
Most universities in town closed so that people could go to the Audience - but not the Pope's university. All of us at the Lateran University and the John Paul II institute continued classes as usual as Pope Benedict XVI specifically requested. He desires that everything continue as usual. There are no regrets in obedience; only inner peace and joy. I am grateful to my friends who did get to go, for sharing their experience with me.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Bad News
26 February 2013
In the news as of late there has been lots of discouraging news. The resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien in Scotland and all the controversy surrounding that, reports about a ring of division and dissension within the curia, rumors of squabbling among Church prelates, attempts to insinuate that Pope Benedict XVI is "retiring" as a way of avoiding trouble or conversely, that he is being forced out. Some of this is information is skewed, some misleading, and to a large degree most of us don't know what this information means in its proper context.
There are likely vestiges of truth connected to all this information. I don't know, but usually people don't just make stuff up out of thin air. At the same time it is presented through someone's individual lens (like politics) and understood through another persons lens (namely each one of our personal experience and opinion of the Church). Some things get lost in translation and other things are magnified by adding our own baggage, our own spin to what we hear.
We need a good interpreter if we really want to understand correctly. I'm not sure we'll find one, but I am sure there will be plenty of more speculation. The result is we are left with disappointing news of varying degrees of truthfulness and it makes us sad, confused, or worse, suspicious. It threatens to take the focus off of the truth we really need to focus on.
Now is a good time to go back to Pope Benedict's last homily at Mass, Ash Wednesday. I really encourage you to read the whole thing, spend some time praying with it, reflect on it from your perspective. Here is one line to focus on, referring to the first reading at Mass from the prophet Joel:
Its a question worth asking ourselves today, I know I am.
In the news as of late there has been lots of discouraging news. The resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien in Scotland and all the controversy surrounding that, reports about a ring of division and dissension within the curia, rumors of squabbling among Church prelates, attempts to insinuate that Pope Benedict XVI is "retiring" as a way of avoiding trouble or conversely, that he is being forced out. Some of this is information is skewed, some misleading, and to a large degree most of us don't know what this information means in its proper context.
There are likely vestiges of truth connected to all this information. I don't know, but usually people don't just make stuff up out of thin air. At the same time it is presented through someone's individual lens (like politics) and understood through another persons lens (namely each one of our personal experience and opinion of the Church). Some things get lost in translation and other things are magnified by adding our own baggage, our own spin to what we hear.
We need a good interpreter if we really want to understand correctly. I'm not sure we'll find one, but I am sure there will be plenty of more speculation. The result is we are left with disappointing news of varying degrees of truthfulness and it makes us sad, confused, or worse, suspicious. It threatens to take the focus off of the truth we really need to focus on.
Now is a good time to go back to Pope Benedict's last homily at Mass, Ash Wednesday. I really encourage you to read the whole thing, spend some time praying with it, reflect on it from your perspective. Here is one line to focus on, referring to the first reading at Mass from the prophet Joel:
"Again, the prophet has God proclaim these words: "Rend your hearts and not your clothing" (v. 13). In our own day, lots of people are ready to "rend their clothing" in the face of scandals and acts of injustice – the fault naturally of others – but few seem prepared to do something about their own "hearts", their own consciences and their own intentions, allowing the Lord to transform, renew and convert them."We are in the middle of Lent in the year of Faith. We are "at the same time holy and always in need of being purified, always follow[ing] the way of penance and renewal" (Lumen Gentium 12). Are we willing to rend our hearts and not just our garments?
Its a question worth asking ourselves today, I know I am.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Benedict XVI's Last Angelus
24 February 2013
video and full text of Pope Benedict XVI's last Angelus
Note particularly what he says about prayer and the Lord's call to him at this time.
In prayer we are always close. He believes it and he means it.
video and full text of Pope Benedict XVI's last Angelus
Note particularly what he says about prayer and the Lord's call to him at this time.
In prayer we are always close. He believes it and he means it.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Frequently asked questions
23 February 2013
This came out a couple of days ago from the Vatican Press Office; many of you might have similar questions and maybe this will help you. Remember the last paragraph of Pope Benedict XVI's talk with the Roman clergy on 14 February 2013 about the "virtual Council" vs. the "real Council". Look closely again. Reflect again. Avoid the hype; it is often misleading. Make an act of trust, an Act of Faith in this Year of Faith.
Some FAQ's on the Pope's Resignation
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.
-From the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
This came out a couple of days ago from the Vatican Press Office; many of you might have similar questions and maybe this will help you. Remember the last paragraph of Pope Benedict XVI's talk with the Roman clergy on 14 February 2013 about the "virtual Council" vs. the "real Council". Look closely again. Reflect again. Avoid the hype; it is often misleading. Make an act of trust, an Act of Faith in this Year of Faith.
Some FAQ's on the Pope's Resignation
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.
-From the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Friday, February 22, 2013
Chair of St. Peter
22 February 2013 - Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
Today we celebrate a special feast revolving around Peter, the Pope, and apostolic succession. In these days while the successor to St. Peter is on retreat, it seems timely to share a reflection on the chair that someone once shared with me. Above is a picture of this year's NAC diaconate class who were ordained right before the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica.
Around the chair are four Doctors (excelling teachers) of the Church, Saints Ambrose, Athanatius, Chrysostom, and Augustine. At first glance it appears that they are holding up the Chair. As if to say the bishops (the successors of the apostles), with the authority and grace given to them by virtue of their ordination and office, support the Church and carry it on through time. But that is mistaken. Bernini, the artist who created this set, had a clearer vision of ecclesiology and the Church's teaching about herself. You probably cannot see it in the picture, but it requires a longer, more reflective look.
If you look closely, the Doctors are not actually holding up the Chair. They are, as it were, loosely connected to it by ribbons hanging from the chair which signify that they do indeed possess an authority and responsibility and a power in being connected to the Chair. But they are not the support to the Chair. So, if it is not the successors of the apostles who hold up the Chair, who support the Church, who does? If you look closely again, reflect on what you are seeing again, you will see. What holds up the Chair is a cloud that comes ushering forth from behind, a cloud that comes from the Holy Spirit window above. It is the Holy Spirit who sustains the Church, who carries on the mission of Christ through the Church. This is a strength that does not, cannot fail! By the power of the Holy Spirit the Church is united with its Head, Jesus Christ. And by God's good grace, that power is revealed in men, the bishops who have retained connected to the Chair by apostolic succession. Jesus chose to build His Church on Peter, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18-19). That God would give such power to men, what trust our Lord gives to us! What trust might we offer back to Him by our fidelity to His Church.
Today, I got to pray at St. Peter's, pray for the Pope, our bishops, and whoever the next successor to Peter will be. Pope Benedict XVI, especially these last 2 weeks has been trying to teach us to trust not in a particular man, but in Christ - after all, its His Church. We certainly are grateful for Pope Benedict XVI, and we have seen God work powerfully through him. He is telling us now the story of the Chair: its not he who holds up the Church and is strength is fading - but God's is not, and He will continue to provide for His Church.
Take some time today for "retreat", even for 5 min. Take a closer look again, reflect again, and you will see a little more of the truth of these days, what the Lord is revealing to us at this time.
Today we celebrate a special feast revolving around Peter, the Pope, and apostolic succession. In these days while the successor to St. Peter is on retreat, it seems timely to share a reflection on the chair that someone once shared with me. Above is a picture of this year's NAC diaconate class who were ordained right before the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica.
Around the chair are four Doctors (excelling teachers) of the Church, Saints Ambrose, Athanatius, Chrysostom, and Augustine. At first glance it appears that they are holding up the Chair. As if to say the bishops (the successors of the apostles), with the authority and grace given to them by virtue of their ordination and office, support the Church and carry it on through time. But that is mistaken. Bernini, the artist who created this set, had a clearer vision of ecclesiology and the Church's teaching about herself. You probably cannot see it in the picture, but it requires a longer, more reflective look.
If you look closely, the Doctors are not actually holding up the Chair. They are, as it were, loosely connected to it by ribbons hanging from the chair which signify that they do indeed possess an authority and responsibility and a power in being connected to the Chair. But they are not the support to the Chair. So, if it is not the successors of the apostles who hold up the Chair, who support the Church, who does? If you look closely again, reflect on what you are seeing again, you will see. What holds up the Chair is a cloud that comes ushering forth from behind, a cloud that comes from the Holy Spirit window above. It is the Holy Spirit who sustains the Church, who carries on the mission of Christ through the Church. This is a strength that does not, cannot fail! By the power of the Holy Spirit the Church is united with its Head, Jesus Christ. And by God's good grace, that power is revealed in men, the bishops who have retained connected to the Chair by apostolic succession. Jesus chose to build His Church on Peter, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18-19). That God would give such power to men, what trust our Lord gives to us! What trust might we offer back to Him by our fidelity to His Church.
Today, I got to pray at St. Peter's, pray for the Pope, our bishops, and whoever the next successor to Peter will be. Pope Benedict XVI, especially these last 2 weeks has been trying to teach us to trust not in a particular man, but in Christ - after all, its His Church. We certainly are grateful for Pope Benedict XVI, and we have seen God work powerfully through him. He is telling us now the story of the Chair: its not he who holds up the Church and is strength is fading - but God's is not, and He will continue to provide for His Church.
Take some time today for "retreat", even for 5 min. Take a closer look again, reflect again, and you will see a little more of the truth of these days, what the Lord is revealing to us at this time.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Angelus
18 February 2013
Yesterday Pope Benedict offered his penultimate Angelus message (video). The piazza was packed, spilling out into via conciliazione (consolation avenue). Though the crowds tried to erupt Pope Benedict wouldn't let us - he wants no false sentiment to stir in our hearts, he wants us to focus on God, not him despite what the news says.
This week the Pope and the curia go into retreat. Silence. Reflection. A time for repentance and renewal, deeper conversion.
Also, here is the Ash Wednesday homily given to NAC students and college students across Rome. Perhaps you will find it helpful too.
What If?
I have been given 48 Lents on my journey. How many do I have left? Have I grown in my life and being as Jesus has desired?
What if:
This were the final Lent God were to give to me?
I focused on one root sin in my life that I know is displeasing to God and sought to root it out?
I brought to a priest or counselor my deepest darkest secret and began to seek the freedom God has for me?
I made a deep and sincere Confession?
I fasted in a way that was challenging and fruitful?
I read three spiritual books?
I read from the Bible every day?
I really tried to attend daily Mass?
I wrote one hand-written letter per day to encourage people I know?
I made a sacrificial gift to the poor?
I really looked at the role of Facebook, texting and social media in my life?
I looked at the music I listened to and the movies I watched to see if they are helping me?
I asked, “Is my deepest consolation friends, food, sleep, entertainment or the love of God?”
I got in the physical shape God wanted me in?
I told my parents how much I appreciated them.
I sought to heal one broken relationship in my life.
I spent time in silence every day listening to the will of God for my life?
I really laid God’s plan for me for next September at His feet?
I had a long conversation with the Blessed Mother?
The first line from our readings on Ash Wednesday tell us, “Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.”
What if this Lent I gave my whole heart to Jesus?
What if?
Yesterday Pope Benedict offered his penultimate Angelus message (video). The piazza was packed, spilling out into via conciliazione (consolation avenue). Though the crowds tried to erupt Pope Benedict wouldn't let us - he wants no false sentiment to stir in our hearts, he wants us to focus on God, not him despite what the news says.
This week the Pope and the curia go into retreat. Silence. Reflection. A time for repentance and renewal, deeper conversion.
Also, here is the Ash Wednesday homily given to NAC students and college students across Rome. Perhaps you will find it helpful too.
What If?
What am I going to do this Lent? Perhaps this is a question we all ponder today as we receive our ashes and set out for our 40 day journey in the desert. But perhaps that is the wrong question to ask. Perhaps the foundational question is, “What does God ask of me this Lent?”
I have been given 48 Lents on my journey. How many do I have left? Have I grown in my life and being as Jesus has desired?
What if:
This were the final Lent God were to give to me?
I focused on one root sin in my life that I know is displeasing to God and sought to root it out?
I brought to a priest or counselor my deepest darkest secret and began to seek the freedom God has for me?
I made a deep and sincere Confession?
I fasted in a way that was challenging and fruitful?
I read three spiritual books?
I read from the Bible every day?
I really tried to attend daily Mass?
I wrote one hand-written letter per day to encourage people I know?
I made a sacrificial gift to the poor?
I really looked at the role of Facebook, texting and social media in my life?
I looked at the music I listened to and the movies I watched to see if they are helping me?
I asked, “Is my deepest consolation friends, food, sleep, entertainment or the love of God?”
I got in the physical shape God wanted me in?
I told my parents how much I appreciated them.
I sought to heal one broken relationship in my life.
I spent time in silence every day listening to the will of God for my life?
I really laid God’s plan for me for next September at His feet?
I had a long conversation with the Blessed Mother?
The first line from our readings on Ash Wednesday tell us, “Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.”
What if this Lent I gave my whole heart to Jesus?
What if?
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Listening
16 February 2013
On Thursday Pope Benedict XVI met with the clergy of Rome. He spoke extemporaneously about Vatican II for 45 min like we would talk about our hometown: remember before there weren't very many stoplights in Lebanon and going to the Motor Vue drive in for movies for $6 and the good food at the Hasty Freeze or getting a big gulp at 7-11?
You can learn much about Vatican II from this little talk. Such a clear, lucid, insightful presentation shows the Pope's profound ability to listen. Going over and over experiences and writing so as to become familiar and intimate with a thought or concept in order to pass it on to others coherently.
Lately the Pope has been reflecting a lot on Peter (talk to seminarians 9 Feb 2013 and Angelus 10 Feb 2013. A hint that his decision is very deliberate, considered, full of humility and trust in the Holy Spirit. Being a good listener helps make a good understand-er.
On Thursday Pope Benedict XVI met with the clergy of Rome. He spoke extemporaneously about Vatican II for 45 min like we would talk about our hometown: remember before there weren't very many stoplights in Lebanon and going to the Motor Vue drive in for movies for $6 and the good food at the Hasty Freeze or getting a big gulp at 7-11?
You can learn much about Vatican II from this little talk. Such a clear, lucid, insightful presentation shows the Pope's profound ability to listen. Going over and over experiences and writing so as to become familiar and intimate with a thought or concept in order to pass it on to others coherently.
Lately the Pope has been reflecting a lot on Peter (talk to seminarians 9 Feb 2013 and Angelus 10 Feb 2013. A hint that his decision is very deliberate, considered, full of humility and trust in the Holy Spirit. Being a good listener helps make a good understand-er.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Ash Wednesday surprise
13 February 2013
The Pope usually celebrates Mass at the first station Church - Santa Sabina; today was different (Station Churches if you want to follow us this Lent on your own). To accommodate more people who may want to come to Mass with the Pope he moved it to St. Peter's Basilica.
All of a sudden, the Pope needs priests to provide him a service, to distribute ashes and Holy Communion. After getting back from class and my mini pilgrimage to the Cathedra and St. Peter's Square, I learned the NAC was asked to help. Thanks to a loving secretary, the last ticket came to me.
We vested in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and sat right behind the altar. Many faithful, deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals were there. It was somber and surreal. I got to pray with the Pope at his last Mass. The first time I got to pray with him was at World Youth Day Cologne 2005. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once wrote:
"One gets to know John Paul II best by concelebrating Mass with him, by letting oneself be drawn into the intense silence of his prayer, more than by analyzing his books or speeches. By participating in his prayer, one moves beyond words and into his very being". (written for JP2's 20th anniversary as Pope, 1998).
Praying with Pope Benedict XVI is the same for me. You know you are going to God and entering a mystery. He's looking Jesus in the eye and he wants you to have the same encounter. Tonight he looked at us as we held ashes out to be blessed. He was there to pray with us again tonight. Its tough to tell other people "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return", when his look sows the words of his homily deep in your soul: "return to the Lord with your whole heart".
Nobody could say goodbye at the end. We don't want it to end with him, but we don't feel abandoned. One still gets the sense that we are going forward together. As we tried to express our love through the meager form of standing and clapping, he did us one better: "The Lord be with you!" And with your spirit dear Pope, and with your spirit! Coming down from the altar after Mass, he looked at us, his priests, one more time...and blessed us. He knows what is most important.
There's lots of hype out there, Benedict is teaching us to see whats most important. Avoid the hype.
Thank you Jesus for a chance to pray with him again.
Both of these are worth the time to read; worth the time to spend some time in silence reflecting on:
Full Text of Weds Audience and Pope's last homily on the same site
The Pope usually celebrates Mass at the first station Church - Santa Sabina; today was different (Station Churches if you want to follow us this Lent on your own). To accommodate more people who may want to come to Mass with the Pope he moved it to St. Peter's Basilica.
All of a sudden, the Pope needs priests to provide him a service, to distribute ashes and Holy Communion. After getting back from class and my mini pilgrimage to the Cathedra and St. Peter's Square, I learned the NAC was asked to help. Thanks to a loving secretary, the last ticket came to me.
We vested in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and sat right behind the altar. Many faithful, deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals were there. It was somber and surreal. I got to pray with the Pope at his last Mass. The first time I got to pray with him was at World Youth Day Cologne 2005. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once wrote:
"One gets to know John Paul II best by concelebrating Mass with him, by letting oneself be drawn into the intense silence of his prayer, more than by analyzing his books or speeches. By participating in his prayer, one moves beyond words and into his very being". (written for JP2's 20th anniversary as Pope, 1998).
Praying with Pope Benedict XVI is the same for me. You know you are going to God and entering a mystery. He's looking Jesus in the eye and he wants you to have the same encounter. Tonight he looked at us as we held ashes out to be blessed. He was there to pray with us again tonight. Its tough to tell other people "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return", when his look sows the words of his homily deep in your soul: "return to the Lord with your whole heart".
Nobody could say goodbye at the end. We don't want it to end with him, but we don't feel abandoned. One still gets the sense that we are going forward together. As we tried to express our love through the meager form of standing and clapping, he did us one better: "The Lord be with you!" And with your spirit dear Pope, and with your spirit! Coming down from the altar after Mass, he looked at us, his priests, one more time...and blessed us. He knows what is most important.
There's lots of hype out there, Benedict is teaching us to see whats most important. Avoid the hype.
Thank you Jesus for a chance to pray with him again.
Both of these are worth the time to read; worth the time to spend some time in silence reflecting on:
Full Text of Weds Audience and Pope's last homily on the same site
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday
13 February 2013 - Ash Wednesday
May your Lent be everything Jesus wishes it to be for you. The Pope's last public Mass will be today http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/popes-last-mass-will-be-on-ash-wednesday-in-st-peters/.
That is a surreal thing to say. For those who wish, here is his Lenten Message that he published last week:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/lent/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20121015_lent-2013_en.html
Archbishop Vlazny and Archbishop-elect Sample have both made statements in response to Pope Benedict's announcement: http://www.archdpdx.org/.
Each day after class I go and pray at the Cathedra of the Pope since I go to school there. After walking back, I stop by St. Peter's Square and pray again there for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church. Dale and I are offering up a Novena for our good Pope Benedict and his successor. Prayer and study are the avenues I have to offer my solidarity to the Pope and the Church. Every time I pray the office my thoughts draw my intention to enter in more deeply into the prayer of Christ for His Church; the prayer of the Church praising her Lord.
Our Rector, Msgr. Checchio, has asked us to further our union with the Church in this time by praying for the Cardinals. Below is a prayer that we are praying if you'd like to join us:
A Novena Prayer
for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff
Lord Jesus Christ,
you who have established your Church
on the solid foundation of the Apostle Peter
and have promised to remain with us
until the end of time,
grant we beseech you
that we may all be steadfast in faith
and filled with zeal for the glory of your Name.
We humbly ask that you grant
to the College of Cardinals
the Spirit of Truth that they may know your will,
and acting in courage and faith,
may elect as Supreme Pontiff
him whom you have chosen to be
Chief Shepherd of your flock
Successor of Peter, Bishop of Rome,
and Servant of the Servants of God.
Grant to us a Pope who will teach and guide
by word and example so that
together with the flock entrusted
to his care
he may arrive at eternal life in your Kingdom
where you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.
May your Lent be everything Jesus wishes it to be for you. The Pope's last public Mass will be today http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/popes-last-mass-will-be-on-ash-wednesday-in-st-peters/.
That is a surreal thing to say. For those who wish, here is his Lenten Message that he published last week:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/lent/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20121015_lent-2013_en.html
Archbishop Vlazny and Archbishop-elect Sample have both made statements in response to Pope Benedict's announcement: http://www.archdpdx.org/.
Each day after class I go and pray at the Cathedra of the Pope since I go to school there. After walking back, I stop by St. Peter's Square and pray again there for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church. Dale and I are offering up a Novena for our good Pope Benedict and his successor. Prayer and study are the avenues I have to offer my solidarity to the Pope and the Church. Every time I pray the office my thoughts draw my intention to enter in more deeply into the prayer of Christ for His Church; the prayer of the Church praising her Lord.
Our Rector, Msgr. Checchio, has asked us to further our union with the Church in this time by praying for the Cardinals. Below is a prayer that we are praying if you'd like to join us:
A Novena Prayer
for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff
Lord Jesus Christ,
you who have established your Church
on the solid foundation of the Apostle Peter
and have promised to remain with us
until the end of time,
grant we beseech you
that we may all be steadfast in faith
and filled with zeal for the glory of your Name.
We humbly ask that you grant
to the College of Cardinals
the Spirit of Truth that they may know your will,
and acting in courage and faith,
may elect as Supreme Pontiff
him whom you have chosen to be
Chief Shepherd of your flock
Successor of Peter, Bishop of Rome,
and Servant of the Servants of God.
Grant to us a Pope who will teach and guide
by word and example so that
together with the flock entrusted
to his care
he may arrive at eternal life in your Kingdom
where you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Cardinal Sodano
12 February 2013
Rome is sad. It rained hard last night with thunder and lightening.
CARDINAL SODANO EXPRESSES COLLEGE OF CARDINALS' NEARNESS TO POPE
Vatican City, 11 February 2013 (VIS) - Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, on hearing the news of the Pope's resignation from the Petrine ministry, expressed his nearness, and that of all the cardinals, to Benedict XVI.
"We have heard you," he said, "with a sense of loss and almost disbelief. In your words we see the great affection that you have always had for God's Holy Church, for this Church that you have loved so much. Now, let me say, on behalf of this apostolic cenacle?the College of Cardinals?on behalf of your beloved collaborators, allow me to say that we are closer than ever to you, as we have been during these almost eight luminous years of your pontificate. On 19 April 2005, if I remember correctly, at the end of the conclave I asked ? 'Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?' And you did not hesitate, although moved with emotion, to answer that you accepted, trusting in the Lord's grace and the maternal intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. Like Mary on that day she gave her 'yes', and your luminous pontificate began, following in the wake of continuity, in that continuity with your 265 predecessors in the Chair of Peter, over two thousand years of history from the Apostle Peter, the humble Galilean fisherman, to the great popes of the last century from St. Pius X to Blessed John Paul II."
"Holy Father, before 28 February, the day that, as you have said, you wish to place the word 'end' to your pontifical service, conducted with so much love and so humbly, before 28 February, we will be able to better express our feelings. So too will the many pastors and faithful throughout the world, so too all those of good will together with the authorities of many countries. ? Also, still this month, we will have the joy of listening to your voice as pastor: Ash Wednesday, Thursday with the clergy of Rome, in the Sunday Angelus, and the Wednesday general audiences, we will still have many occasions to hear your paternal voice. ? Your mission, however, will continue. You have said that you will always be near us with your witness and your prayer. Of course, the stars always continue to shine and so will the star of your pontificate always shine among us. We are near to you, Holy Father, and we ask you to bless us."
Rome is sad. It rained hard last night with thunder and lightening.
CARDINAL SODANO EXPRESSES COLLEGE OF CARDINALS' NEARNESS TO POPE
Vatican City, 11 February 2013 (VIS) - Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, on hearing the news of the Pope's resignation from the Petrine ministry, expressed his nearness, and that of all the cardinals, to Benedict XVI.
"We have heard you," he said, "with a sense of loss and almost disbelief. In your words we see the great affection that you have always had for God's Holy Church, for this Church that you have loved so much. Now, let me say, on behalf of this apostolic cenacle?the College of Cardinals?on behalf of your beloved collaborators, allow me to say that we are closer than ever to you, as we have been during these almost eight luminous years of your pontificate. On 19 April 2005, if I remember correctly, at the end of the conclave I asked ? 'Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?' And you did not hesitate, although moved with emotion, to answer that you accepted, trusting in the Lord's grace and the maternal intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. Like Mary on that day she gave her 'yes', and your luminous pontificate began, following in the wake of continuity, in that continuity with your 265 predecessors in the Chair of Peter, over two thousand years of history from the Apostle Peter, the humble Galilean fisherman, to the great popes of the last century from St. Pius X to Blessed John Paul II."
"Holy Father, before 28 February, the day that, as you have said, you wish to place the word 'end' to your pontifical service, conducted with so much love and so humbly, before 28 February, we will be able to better express our feelings. So too will the many pastors and faithful throughout the world, so too all those of good will together with the authorities of many countries. ? Also, still this month, we will have the joy of listening to your voice as pastor: Ash Wednesday, Thursday with the clergy of Rome, in the Sunday Angelus, and the Wednesday general audiences, we will still have many occasions to hear your paternal voice. ? Your mission, however, will continue. You have said that you will always be near us with your witness and your prayer. Of course, the stars always continue to shine and so will the star of your pontificate always shine among us. We are near to you, Holy Father, and we ask you to bless us."
Pope Benedict XVI's announcement
11 February 2013 - Our Lady of Lourdes
As I was finishing my first class day of my last semester, the Pope said this (video):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21411304
The President of the JP2 Institute, Mons. Livio Melina, came in and announced to us that Pope Benedict XVI had just abrogated his office effective 28 Feb 2013. We were stunned. Through his tears he told us that this is a time of silence, a time not to have many talks and chats, but a time to pray. He asked each of us to offer all our work and our study for the Pope and the Church. We need to pray and work hard.
Fr. Strand and I went to the Pope's Cathedral, St. John Lateran, where we study. We knelt and prayed before the chair, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying for the good of the Pope and the Church. I don't understand this very well.
We walked to St. Peter's, to pray in the square. Maybe its like it was when Blessed John XXIII announced Vatican II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBNEEjwCQyc (3:16 and following). We were quiet there and prayed separately. There was no one there. I prayed a rosary facing the Pope's apartment, at times glancing over to St. Peter's Basilica. I still don't understand, but during that time I felt peace and no fear. I was filled with Hope and confidence. I trust and love the Holy Spirit. I trust and love the Church. I trust and love Pope Benedict XVI.
Though I feel sadness and still don't understand, I realized: here I am with my greatest opportunity to be in solidarity with the Pope, the reason I was sent here. So I will offer up my studies and labors for the Pope and the Church. I will pray. I will be silent. I will look for what God has for us in all this. O God, that you entrust such times to us!
As I was finishing my first class day of my last semester, the Pope said this (video):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21411304
The President of the JP2 Institute, Mons. Livio Melina, came in and announced to us that Pope Benedict XVI had just abrogated his office effective 28 Feb 2013. We were stunned. Through his tears he told us that this is a time of silence, a time not to have many talks and chats, but a time to pray. He asked each of us to offer all our work and our study for the Pope and the Church. We need to pray and work hard.
Fr. Strand and I went to the Pope's Cathedral, St. John Lateran, where we study. We knelt and prayed before the chair, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying for the good of the Pope and the Church. I don't understand this very well.
We walked to St. Peter's, to pray in the square. Maybe its like it was when Blessed John XXIII announced Vatican II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBNEEjwCQyc (3:16 and following). We were quiet there and prayed separately. There was no one there. I prayed a rosary facing the Pope's apartment, at times glancing over to St. Peter's Basilica. I still don't understand, but during that time I felt peace and no fear. I was filled with Hope and confidence. I trust and love the Holy Spirit. I trust and love the Church. I trust and love Pope Benedict XVI.
Though I feel sadness and still don't understand, I realized: here I am with my greatest opportunity to be in solidarity with the Pope, the reason I was sent here. So I will offer up my studies and labors for the Pope and the Church. I will pray. I will be silent. I will look for what God has for us in all this. O God, that you entrust such times to us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
