May Faithful Go Forward Toward Heaven, Pope Prays

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 17, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is entrusting to Mary and the saints a petition that the faithful will go forward with an ever new spirit toward heaven.

The Pope made this petition today before praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square. He had just concluded a Mass for the canonization of six newly recognized saints.

In his multilingual address, the Holy Father offered a brief reflection about sanctity and these six saints.

Regarding Canada's first male native-born saint, Brother André Bessette, the Holy Father said he took up his message in encouraging the faithful to "follow his footsteps and freely welcome out of love the will of God in your lives. May you as well, like him, overflow with charity for your brothers and sisters who suffer affliction."

Speaking as well of Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop, he prayed: "May these new saints accompany you with their prayers and inspire you by the example of their holy lives."

"Saints are the living image of the love of God," the Pope said, affirming that "today we find joy in these new saints."

"I also ask God that the new saints will be a model for the Christian people, particularly youth, so that there will be an ever greater number who welcome the call of the Lord and completely entrust their lives to proclaim the greatness of his love," he added.

Speaking of Polish St. Stanisław Kaźmierczyk Soltys, he recommended learning "from him the spirit of prayer, of contemplation and of sacrifice for our neighbor."

Finally, he said: "Now let us turn in prayer to Mary Most Holy, who God placed at the center of the great assembly of saints. We entrust to her [and all the other saints] the entire Church, so that, enlightened by her example and sustained by their intercession, the faithful will go forward with an ever new spirit toward the homeland of heaven."

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