VATICAN - Benedict XVI bids farewell to Castel Gandolfo, recalling the example of Saint Therese of Lisieux: “Her testimony shows that only the word of God, received and understood in its concrete demands, becomes a source of renewed life.”

Castel Gandolfo (Agenzia Fides) - “Today the Church remembers St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Carmelite of the Lisieux convent. Her testimony shows that only the word of God, received and understood in its concrete demands, becomes a source of renewed life.” These are the words with which Benedict XVI, in bidding farewell from the religious and civil community in Castel Gandolfo on October 1, remembered the Patroness of the Missions on her feast day. “To our society, often permeated by a rationalist culture and widespread practical materialism, little Thérèse of Lisieux points out, as the answer to the great questions of life, the 'little way,' which looks instead to the essential of things. It is the humble way of love, capable of enveloping and of giving meaning and value to every human circumstance. Dear friends, follow the example of this saint; the way followed by her is within everyone's reach, because it is the way of total confidence in God, who is Love and who never abandons us.” In his speech, the Holy Father gave thanks for “the generous dedication and competent work” of so many who made an effort to assist the Pope, his collaborators, guests, and pilgrims to Castel Gandolfo, especially on Sundays for the Angelus. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 2/10/2009)