Pope's Message to New Seminary in Cuba

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 5, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the message that the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, sent in Benedict XVI's name to cardinal Jaime Ortega, archbishop of Havana, on the occasion of the inauguration of the new diocesan seminary.
 
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Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of San Cristobal de La Habana:
 
On the opening of the new headquarters of the archdiocesan seminary of "St. Charles and Saint Ambrose" of Havana, His Holiness Benedict XVI cordially greets the pastors and faithful gathered on this happy occasion, as well as the formators and seminarians, asking God that this solemn act will be at the same time sign and incentive of renewed vigor in the commitment to watch over a careful human, spiritual and academic preparation of those who in this institution walk toward the priestly ministry. Likewise, the Pope invites them to identify themselves increasingly every day with the sentiments of Christ, Good Shepherd, through assiduous prayer, serious application to study, humble listening to his Divine Word, the fitting celebration of the sacraments, and audacious witness of his love as genuine disciples and missionaries of the Gospel of salvation.
 
With these wishes, the Holy Father, while entrusting the whole community of that teaching institution to the protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, who under the title of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre is invoked with fervor in the beloved Cuban nation, imparts his heartfelt special apostolic blessing, which he gladly extends to all those who contributed generously in the construction of the new building and to the participants in the inaugural celebration.
 
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
 
Secretary of State of His Holiness
 
[Translation by ZENIT]