VATICAN CITY, MARCH 13, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is asking for prayers for himself and the Curia, who began today their annual Lenten spiritual exercises, which this year are focused on John Paul II and the theology of the saints.
«I ask a special remembrance in prayer for me and my co-workers in the Roman Curia,» Benedict XVI stated after praying the Angelus gathered in St. Peter’s Square. «This evening we will start a week-long retreat.»
The exercises began today at 6 p.m. in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, with vespers, the introductory meditation, Eucharistic adoration and benediction.
The Holy Father and the Curia will join together for the Divine Office each day of the retreat, and hear three mediations. On the last day, which coincides with the Solemnity of St. Joseph, lauds will be celebrated at 9 a.m., followed by the closing meditation.
All papal audiences are suspended during the Pope’s retreat, including the general audience of March 16.
Discalced Carmelite Father François-Marie Léthel will preach the March 13-19 retreat, which has as its theme «The Light of Christ in the Heart of the Church: John Paul II and the Theology of the Saints.» Father Léthel is a professor at the Pontifical Theological Faculty (Teresianum), and prelate-secretary of the Pontifical Academy of Theology.
“I have studied the saints for many years,» the French priest told Vatican Radio. «This theme of holiness has always been at the center of my research.»
«The saints are the Church’s great witnesses of holiness and so, through their testimony, their reflection, their experience, the light of Christ shines forth,” he explained. «John Paul II is the Pope of holiness and his beatification is the official recognition of his holiness.
«He is the Pope who proclaimed the most saints and blessed. He is the Pontiff who presented the saints not only as examples of Christian perfection but also as theologians in the highest sense as knowers of God. He presented them as well as bearers of this light of Christ in today’s world.»
