VATICAN - In Krakow Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass in Blonie Park: “Here I wish to ask God to preserve that legacy of faith, hope and charity which John Paul II gave to the world, and to you in particular.”

Monday, 29 May 2006

Krakow (Agenzia Fides) - On Sunday 28 May Pope Benedict XVI presided a solemn Mass for the Feast of the Ascension at Błonie Park in Krakow. Concelebrants included Polish cardinals and bishops, cardinal and bishop guests and the cardinals and bishops of the Papal entourage. Explaining the meaning of the Angel’s questions recorded in the Acts of the Apostles: Men of Galilee why do you stand looking up to heaven?" - the Pope said “the answer to this questions contains the fundamental truth about human life and destiny”. “But for us, at a distance of two thousand years, the meaning of that event is quite clear. Here on earth, we are called to look up to heaven, to turn our minds and hearts to the inexpressible mystery of God. We are called to look towards this divine reality, to which we have been directed from our creation. For there we find life’s ultimate meaning..”
“I am deeply moved to be able to celebrate this Eucharist today in Błonie Park in Kraków, where Pope John Paul II often celebrated Mass during his unforgettable Apostolic Visits to his native land.” Pope Benedict said in his homily: “Kraków, the city of Karol Wojtyła and of John Paul II, is also my Kraków! Kraków has a special place in the hearts of countless Christians throughout the world who know that John Paul II came to the Vatican Hill from this city, from Wawel Hill, "from a far country", which thus became a country dear to all.”. Then the Holy Father said he had come to Poland “I felt a deep need to visit Poland and Kraków as a pilgrim in the footsteps of my predecessor. I wanted to breathe the air of his homeland. I wanted to see the land where he was born, where he grew up and undertook his tireless service to Christ and the universal Church. I wanted especially to meet the living men and women of his country, to experience your faith, which gave him life and strength, and to know that you continue firm in that faith. Here I wish to ask God to preserve that legacy of faith, hope and charity which John Paul II gave to the world, and to you in particular..”
Referring to the theme of his apostolic Visit, "Stand firm in your faith!", and Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit, Pope Benedict XVI said: “When Karol Wojtyła was elected to the See of Peter in order to serve the universal Church, your land became a place of special witness to faith in Jesus Christ. You were called to give this witness before the whole world. This vocation of yours is always needed, and it is perhaps even more urgent than ever, now that the Servant of God has passed from this life. Do not deprive the world of this witness!!... I too Benedict XVI, Successor of John Paul II, ask you to look from earth towards heaven- to lift your eyes to the One to whom succeeding generations have looked for two thousand years, and in whom they have discovered life’s ultimate meaning. Strengthened by faith in God, devote yourselves fervently to consolidating his Kingdom on earth, a Kingdom of goodness, justice, solidarity and mercy. I ask you to bear courageous witness to the Gospel before today’s world, bringing hope to the poor, the suffering, the lost and abandoned, the desperate and those yearning for freedom, truth and peace. By doing good to your neighbour and showing your concern for the common good, you bear witness that God is love. ask you, finally, to share with the other peoples of Europe and the world the treasure of your faith...”
At the end of the Mass introducing the midday Regina caeli, prayer Pope Benedict XVI greeted once again “the people of Kraków and the many visitors from all over Poland who have taken part in this celebration of Mass. I entrust all of you to the Mother of the Redeemer, and I ask her to guide you in your faith. I thank you for your presence here and for the witness of your faith.”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2006 - righe 42, parole 637)


Share: