BARCELONA, Spain, NOV. 19, 2010 (Zenit.org).- In the wake of Benedict XVI’s visit to Spain on Nov. 6-7, the bishops of that country believe that a new stage is opening of spiritual renewal, as reflected in the many letters of gratitude received.
«We intend and propose to all the Christian people pilgrimaging in Catalonia, a new springtime of the spirit, a new evangelizing impulse at the service of the whole society and a generous dedication to the littlest and the neediest,» said the bishops of Barcelona, in a letter dated Nov. 14.
«May each one in his own surroundings be a burning flame of faith and charity,» they added, making their own the prayer raised by the Pope in the Holy Family Basilcia, for the multiplication and consolidation of «new testimonies of holiness that give the world the great service that the Church can and must give to humanity: to be icon of divine beauty, burning flame of charity, channel for the world to believe in the One whom God has sent.»
The bishops expressed their gratitude as spokesmen of «thousands upon thousand of faithful,» and thanked God and the Pontiff, who «with his words and his presence confirmed us in the faith and encouraged us in our journey as Christians.»
Archbishop Julián Barrio of Santiago de Compostela invited the faithful in his archdiocese to remember Benedict XVI visit «with the heart,» in a letter dated November 15.
«Now a new stage is beginning for us all,» he said, exhorting all the faithful «to live illumined by the truth of Christ, confessing the faith with joy, coherence and simplicity, at home, at work and in the commitment as citizens.»
«On manifesting our filial gratitude to the Pope,» the archbishop continued, «we must thank God because the unfolding of the different ceremonies was realized with the simplicity and normality that we hoped for. We are receiving from all parts positive manifestations and analysis.»
The prelate concluded animating the faithful to continue supporting the Pope with prayer and to intensify communion with him.
