VATICAN CITY, APRIL 26, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave to those gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the praying of the midday Regina Caeli. The Holy Father had just finished a Mass in which five new saints were proclaimed.
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In concluding this solemn celebration, I wish to offer cordial greetings to all of you who have wanted to come personally to offer homage to the new saints. I express, before all, my recognition of the delegation from the Italian government and the other civil authorities, in particular, the mayors and prefects of the cities of the four compatriots elevated today to the honor of the altars.
I greet the delegation from the Order of Malta. With great affection, I give thanks to the numerous pilgrims coming from many parts of Italy. I hope that this pilgrimage, lived in the mark of sanctity and supported by the grace of the Pauline year, can help each one [of you] to «run» with more joy and energy toward the final «goal,» toward «the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus,» (cf. Philippians 3:13-14).
In this context, I’d like to mention as well the gathering of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which is celebrated today. Fifty years after the death of the founder, Father Agostino Gemelli, I hope that the Catholic University be always faithful to its inspiring principles so as to continue offering a valid formation to the young generations.
[The Pope then greeted people in several languages. In English, he said:]I greet the English-speaking pilgrims who are here with us today, especially those who have travelled to Rome to be present at the canonization of today’s new saints. Through their intercession, may all of you be filled with joy in the Risen Lord, and bear witness to him courageously in your daily lives. I invoke God’s abundant blessings upon all of you, and upon your families and loved ones at home.
© Copyright 2009 — Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[Prior to praying the Regina Caeli, he concluded the address, saying in Italian:]We lift up now our filial prayer to the Virgin Mary, who fully followed the Word of God, such that his love in her was truly perfect (cf. 1 John 2:5a).
[Translation by ZENIT]
