Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Superior General of the Comboni missionary sisters, Mother Adele Brambilla, sent a message to her congregation on the occasion of the election of Pope Benedict XVI in which she wrote: “Suddenly the expectations of Christianity and the whole world, had a face: Joseph Ratzinger. Suddenly he told us his name: Benedict! A name connected with passion for evangelisation, contemplation and spirituality, dialogue and reconciliation, peace and communion; a name connected with passion for Christ and for humanity, constantly striving to build bridges across the world with the patience of God. Suddenly our hearts opened to the heartfelt prayer pronounced by Pope Benedict this morning: “Mane nobiscum, Domine! Stay with us Lord!...”
The message continues: “As faithful heirs of St Daniele Comboni, we respond to the request of Pope Benedict XVI assuring incessant prayer and renewed commitment for the mission of the church today, in communion with all the local Churches all over the world filled with “holy restlessness” which urges us to engage in mission ad gentes with passion and courage. We look with trust and hope to that window in the Papal House which has remained open. For us it is a symbolic window open to humanity with all its anxieties and fears, hopes and longings. It is symbolically a call and a commitment to look far away to all the peoples of the world, especially those who are suffering, tormented and excluded … As we express to Pope Benedict XVI best wishes from all our sisters all over the world we continue to pray and invoke the Holy Spirit to assist him as we trust in “Mary who is on our side”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2005; righe 20, parole 285)
