GENERAL AUDIENCE
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 10:30
held by Pope Benedict XVI
Theme: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Brief Chronicle ...
the general audience this morning took place at 10.30 am in St. Peter's Square where Pope Benedict XVI - is derived by helicopter from the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo - met with groups of pilgrims and faithful who arrived from Italy and from all the world.
In his speech in Italian, the Pope dwelt on his recent Apostolic Journey to the United Kingdom.
After summarizing his catechesis in various languages, the Holy Father Benedict XVI gave special words of welcome to the groups of worshipers. Finally, he delivered a call for the successful conclusion of the proceedings of the plenary meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church as a whole.
The General Audience ended with the singing of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic Blessing.
At the end, the Holy Father he returned to Castel Gandolfo.
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catechesis of the Holy Father
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today I would like to speak of the apostolic trip in the United Kingdom, that God has allowed me to take a few days ago. It 'was an official visit and at the same time, a pilgrimage in the heart of today and the history of a people rich in culture and faith, what is the United Kingdom. It was a historic event, which marked an important new phase in the long and complex history of relations between their peoples and the Holy See. The main purpose of the visit was to proclaim the Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, one of the greatest English in recent times, an eminent theologian and man of the Church. In fact, the ceremony of beatification has represented the best interests of the apostolic journey, whose theme was inspired by the motto of the emblem of the Blessed Cardinal Newman: "The heart speaks to heart." And in four intense days spent in that beautiful and noble land I had the great pleasure of speaking to the hearts of people in the UK, and they have spoken to mine, especially with their presence and witness of their faith. In fact, I could see how the Christian heritage is still strong and still active in every strata of society. The heart of the British and their lives are open to the reality of God and there are numerous expressions of religiosity that my visit has put even more emphasis.
From the first day of my stay in the United Kingdom, and throughout the period of my stay, no matter where I received a warm welcome by the authorities, representatives of various social, representatives of various confessions religious and especially the common people. I think especially to the faithful of the Catholic community and its pastors, who, despite being a minority in the country, are widely appreciated and engaged in the joyful announcement of Jesus Christ, doing the Lord shine and making his voice especially among the last. All I once again express my profound gratitude for the enthusiasm and praise for the diligence with which they have worked for the success of my visit, whose memory forever cherish in my heart.
The first event was in Edinburgh with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who, along with his consort, the Duke of Edinburgh, he welcomed with great kindness on behalf of all the British people. It was a very cordial meeting, characterized by the sharing of some deep concern for the welfare of the peoples of the world and the role of Christian values \u200b\u200bin society. In the historic capital of Scotland, I was able to admire the artistic beauty, testimony to a rich tradition and deep Christian roots. In this I referred in his speech to His Majesty and the authorities here, remembering that the Christian message has become an integral part of language, thought and culture of the peoples of these islands. I also spoke of the role that Britain has carried out the international scene, mentioning the importance the steps taken for a just and lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
The atmosphere of celebration and joy created by young children and has graced the stage in Edinburgh. Trasferitomi then in Glasgow, a city adorned with beautiful parks, I celebrated the first Mass of his trip in Bellahouston Park. It 'been a time of intense spirituality is very important for Catholics in the country, even in light of the fact that on that day appealed the liturgical feast of St Ninian, Scotland's first evangelist. At that assembly met in liturgical prayer caring and sympathetic, made even more solemn songs and traditional melodies engaging, I mentioned the importance of evangelization of culture, especially in our time when a pervasive relativism threatens to obscure the truth about the unchanging nature of man.
the second day I started the visit to London. Here, I first met the world of Catholic education, which plays an important role in the education system of that country. In an authentic family atmosphere I've spoken to teachers, noted the importance of faith in the formation of mature and responsible citizens. For many teenagers and young people, who have welcomed me with sympathy and enthusiasm, I offered not to pursue limited objectives, content choice of comfortable, but to point to something greater, namely the search for true happiness, which is found only in God In the subsequent meeting with leaders of other major religions represented in the UK, I drew the unavoidable necessity a sincere dialogue that needs to observe the principle of reciprocity if we are fully successful. At the same time, I emphasized the search for common ground as sacred to all religions on which strengthen friendship, trust and cooperation.
The fraternal visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury was an opportunity to reaffirm our common commitment to bear witness to the message Christian League Catholics and Anglicans. E 'followed one of the highlights of the apostolic journey: the meeting in the great hall of the British Parliament personalities with institutional, political, diplomatic, academic, religious, cultural and business leaders in the world. In that place is so prestigious I pointed out that religion, for legislators, should not be a problem to solve, but a vital factor that contributes to the historical progress and public debate in the nation, particularly in emphasizing the crucial importance of ethical foundation for the choices in the various sectors of social life.
At the same climate solemn, I then went to Westminster Abbey for the first time a Successor of Peter has entered the place of worship of the ancient symbol of the country Christian roots. The recitation of Evening Prayer, along with various Christian communities in the United Kingdom, was an important moment in relations between the Catholic and the Anglican Communion. Together when we venerated the tomb of St. Edward the Confessor, while the choir sang "Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor" , we all praised God, who takes us on the path of full unity.
the morning of Saturday, the appointment with the Prime Minister opened the series of meetings with the leaders of the British political world. E 'followed the Mass in Westminster Cathedral, dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. It 'was an extraordinary moment of faith and prayer - which has also highlighted the rich and valuable tradition of liturgical music, "Rome" and "English" - which was attended by the different components Church, spiritually joined the ranks of believers in the long Christian history of that land. Great is my joy to have met a large number of young people attending the Mass outside the Cathedral. By their presence full of enthusiasm and with careful and anxious, they have shown willingness to be the protagonists of a new era of courageous witness of active solidarity and generous commitment to the service of the Gospel.
In Nunciature have met some victims of abuse by members of the clergy and religious. It 'was a moment of intense emotion and prayer. Shortly after, I met a group of professionals and volunteers responsible for the protection of children and young people in church environments, and this is particularly important in pastoral of the Church. I thanked them and encouraged to continue their work, which fits in the tradition of the Church of care for the respect, education and training of new generations. Also in London, I then visited the home for the elderly run by Little Sisters of the Poor with the valuable contribution of several nurses and volunteers. This reception center is a sign of great respect which the Church has always had for the elderly, as well as expression of Catholics in the British respect for life without regard to age or condition.
As I said, the highlight of my visit to the United Kingdom was the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, an illustrious son of England. It was preceded and prepared by a special prayer vigil held Saturday evening in London, Hyde Park, in an atmosphere of deep concentration. The multitude of faithful, especially youth, I wanted to reproduce the luminous figure of Cardinal Newman, intellectual and believer, the spiritual message which can be summarized in the testimony that the way of consciousness is not closure in the "I", but it's opening, conversion and obedience to Him who is the Way, Truth and Life. The beatification ceremony took place in Birmingham, during the solemn Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, in the presence of a large crowd from the entire Great Britain and Ireland, with representatives of many other countries. This touching event has brought more to the fore a scholar of great stature, a distinguished writer and poet, a wise man of God, whose thought has illuminated many minds and still exercises an extraordinary fascination. To him, in particular, can draw believers and ecclesial communities of the United Kingdom, because even to this day that noble land continues to produce abundant fruits of evangelical life.
The meeting with the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales with that of Scotland, has concluded a day of great celebration and intense communion of hearts to the Catholic community in Britain.
Dear brothers and sisters, in my visit to the United Kingdom, as always I wanted to primarily support the Catholic community, encouraging her to work tirelessly to defend the unchanging moral truths which he went on, illuminated and confirmed by the Gospel, are the basis of a truly human society, just and free. I also intended to speak to the heart of all people in the UK, without exception, the true reality of man, his deepest needs, his ultimate destiny. In addressing the citizens of that country, a crossroads of culture and the world economy, I have been mindful of the entire West, in dialogue with the reasons of this civilization and communicating the eternal newness of the Gospel, of which it is impregnated. This trip Apostolic confirmed in me a deep conviction that the ancient nations of Europe have a Christian soul, which is the one with the "genius" and the history of their peoples, and the Church does not cease to work continuously to maintain This raises the spiritual and cultural tradition.
Blessed John Henry Newman, whose shape and whose writings still remain a formidable news, deserves to be known by all. He supports the aims and efforts of Christians to "spread everywhere the fragrance of Christ, so that their whole life is his only irradiation," as he wrote in his book wisely Radiate Christ .
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