Vatican City, Aug 1, 2010 / 08:23 am
The person who trusts in the Lord and does not give in to a fear of adversity or death shares "a wise heart" with the saints, Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday. Remembering the saints’ examples of trust in God, the Holy Father taught that any dependence on "passing realities" is "foolishness."
From the balcony in the cortile of the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father addressed pilgrims from across the world. Spanish, Polish and Italian pilgrims were the most vocal in their cheers. The day's pleasant temperature and the friendly demeanor of attendees created a very comfortable atmosphere during the Angelus.
In his catechesis before the Marian prayer, Benedict XVI recalled saints whose feast days were celebrated this weekend: the founder of the Jesuit order, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Redemptorist founder and patron of confessors, St. Alphonsus of Liguori. He also discussed St. Jean Vianney, the French patron saint of priests, and St. Eusebius, the first bishop of Italy's Piedmont region and a "strong defender" of Christ's divinity.
Reflecting on the lives of these saints, the Holy Father noted their "common commitment ...was that of saving souls and of serving the Church with their respective charisms, contributing to renew her and enrich her.