VATICAN CITY, OCT. 24, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave on Sunday before praying the midday Angelus with crowds in St. Peter’s Square. He had just finished celebrating Mass for the canonization of three saints.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Before concluding this solemn celebration, I would like to cordially greet everyone.
[In Italian, he said:]I turn first to pilgrims who have come to pay homage to St. Guido Maria Conforti and St. Luigi Guanella, with a thought of special affection and encouragement for members of the Institutes founded by them: the Xavieran Missionaries, the Daughters of Our Lady of Providence and the Servants of Charity. I greet the bishops and civil authorities and thank each of them for their presence. Once again, Italy has offered the Church and the world brilliant testimonies of the Gospel; let us give glory to God and let us pray that in this nation the faith may never cease to renew itself and bear good fruit.
[Translation by L’Osservatore Romano] [In Spanish, he said:]I very cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims who have come to Rome to participate in the joyful celebration of the proclamation of these new saints. Together with the archbishops and bishops who accompany you, the official delegations and those devoted to those canonized today, following them in spirit, I particularly greet the Servants of St. Joseph, who have the great joy of seeing the holiness of their founder recognized for the universal Church. May the example and intercession of these personalities honored in the Church motivate everyone to renew their commitment to live their faith in Christ with their whole heart, and give witness in the diverse spheres of society. Thank you very much.
[Translation by ZENIT] [In English, he said:]Dear brothers and sisters, I am pleased to greet all the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims present, especially those here for today’s canonizations. In this Sunday’s Gospel passage, Jesus urges us to love God above all things and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Let us measure our actions every day by his call to love, and live it with courage and joy. May almighty God bless all of you!
