Pope Francis sent his blessing to the participants in the Inter-University Congress on “Saint Teresa of Jesus, Teacher of Life.”
The website of the Congress, which was held from August 1-3, states that its main objective is to bring the University public close to the figure of the “Saint of Avila” to reflect on Teresian perspectives in the New Evangelization, in the interior life, in present-day society, and especially on the application and future projection of her teachings and example.
The Congress is part of the events approved by the National Commission of the 5th Centenary of the birth of Saint Teresa of Jesus
TEXT OF THE HOLY FATHER’S MESSAGE
“His Holiness Pope Francis cordially greets the participants and organizers of the Inter-University Congress ‘Saint Teresa of Jesus, Teacher of Life,’ being held in the city of Avila, on the occasion of the 5th Centenary of the birth of the famed Doctor of the Church, to bring the University world close to her figure and her teaching, and he ask the Lord that the reflection in the footsteps of the travelling Saint, in addition to making manifest the present importance of her teaching and the stimulus of her example, lead them always to the encounter with the Good Jesus, whom she followed on the paths of life.
The Holy Father also encourages them to discover in the contemplation and meditation of Teresa, Teacher of prayer, the source of the true science and the authentic values generators of life, so that in Catholic Universities there are “strong friends of God,” so necessary in “harsh times.” With these desires and while he entrusts the unfolding of the Congress to the maternal care of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, the Supreme Pontiff asks that they not forget to pray for him and for his service to the universal Church, and he imparts affectionately the implored Apostolic Blessing, pledge of copious divine favors.
Vatican, August 1, 2015
Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
Secretary of State of His Holiness”
