VATICAN - The Pope tells FIES: "in an age in which there is an ever stronger influence of secularisation, and on the other hand, in which there is experienced a widespread need to find God, we should never lack the possibility of dedicating time to an intense listening to his Word in silence and prayer."

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Benedict XVI reaffirmed the importance of spiritual exercises in his address to the participants of the National Assembly of the Italian Federation of Spiritual Exercises, whom he received in an audience on February 9th. “In Italy, while multiple spiritual initiatives grow and providentially spread, above all among youth,” the Pope said, “it appears however that the number of participants in authentic courses of spiritual exercises is decreasing, and it appears that this is verified as well among priests and among members of institutes of consecrated life. Therefore, it is worthwhile our keeping in mind that the “Exercises” are a spiritual experience, with specific intrinsic characteristics... Together with other plausible forms of spiritual retreat, there should never lack a participation in spiritual exercises, characterised by their climate of complete and profound silence that favours a personal and communal encounter with God and the contemplation of the face of Christ. My predecessors and I have called to mind this necessity, which should always be insisted upon.”
Benedict XVI later expressed his wish that "in an age in which there is an ever stronger influence of secularisation, and on the other hand, in which there is experienced a widespread need to find God, we should never lack the possibility of dedicating time to an intense listening to his Word in silence and prayer." The Pope advised Pastors of the various communities to maintain houses for spiritual exercises and offer well-formed “guides, as well as men and women leaders, available, prepared, and gifted with doctrinal and spiritual capacities that make them true masters of the spirit, experts in and passionate for the Word of God, faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. A well-done session of spiritual exercises can help instil in those who do them, a renewed participation in the Liturgy with joy and interest, especially in reciting the Liturgy of the Hours and above all, in the Eucharist. They can also rediscover the importance of the Sacrament of Penance, opening the way to conversion and the gift of reconciliation, as well as the value and meaning of Eucharistic adoration. During exercises, one can also reencounter the full and authentic meaning of the Rosary and the pious practice of the Stations of the Cross.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2008; righe 29, parole 375)