Benedict XVI Offers Tips for Summer Holidays

VATICAN CITY, JULY 24, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is offering some tips on how to live one's summer holiday, says a Vatican spokesman.

On the most recent edition of Vatican Television's "Octava Dies," Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi spoke of the "brief but important suggestions" that the Pope has made over the past few weeks about vacation.

"First of all, [the Pope] invited those of us who can, to use our vacation time in a way that helps renew our relationships with others and with God," said Father Lombardi. "Interrupting the hectic and frantic pace of daily life, we can take time to dedicate ourselves to others and to God.

"The Pope even suggested we include a copy of the Sacred Scriptures in our suitcase. He also invited us to contemplate the greatness, and admire the beauty, of creation around us, recognizing in it the wonderful presence of the Creator."

"We need to observe this magnificent gift," Father Lombardi said, paraphrasing Benedict XVI, "with the same attention Jesus did. He knew how to interpret the language and signs of Creation, which is a gift we must respect, protect and care for, in the name of God, humanity and future generations."

"Finally, Pope Benedict suggested that pilgrims and travelers apply their intelligence and curiosity to discovering the monuments of the past -- witnesses of culture and faith, as he called them, examples of our spiritual roots and heritage," the priest said. "Cathedral and abbeys, in particular, are places where beauty helps us feel the presence of God and inspires us to pray for the rest of humanity, on its pilgrimage through the Third Millennium.

"The enjoyment of friendship, reading, nature and culture helps to nourish and restore our spirit. It gives us the strength to continue our journey refreshed and renewed."