Vatican City, Sep 2, 2009 / 09:16 am
Although society was filled with an “immensity of vices” during his time, St. Odo was able to encourage the faithful to live the faith with joy, Pope Benedict said at the general audience today as he continued his series of teachings on the medieval saints.
The Holy Father flew by helicopter to the Paul VI Hall from Castel Gandolfo this morning to hold his weekly general audience.
Focusing his remarks on St. Odo, Benedict XVI explained how the saint was born around the year 880, eventually becoming the second abbot of the famous abbey of Cluny. "From that center of spiritual life, he was able to exercise a vast influence on the monasteries of the continent," fomenting a lifestyle and a spirituality inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict, the Pope said.
The Holy Father described the 62-year life of St. Odo as one marked by numerous virtues, including "patience, ... detachment from the world, zeal for souls, commitment to peace, ... observance of the commandments, concern for the poor, education of the young and respect for the elderly."