VATICAN - “Convents and monasteries of contemplative life are an ‘oasis’ where man, a pilgrim on earth, can more easily draw from the sources of the Spirit and quench his thirst on his way. These apparently useless places are indispensable, like the green ‘lungs’ of a city”: Pope Benedict XVI at the Angelus stresses the importance of the enclosed religious life

Monday, 20 November 2006

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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On the liturgical memory of the Presentation of Holy Mary in the Temple, 21 November, the Church celebrates the “Day pro Orantibus” and recalls with prayer and concrete aid communities of enclosed nuns and monks. “This is an opportune occasion to thank the Lord for the gift of the many people in convents and hermitages totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and a hidden life” Pope Benedict XVI said before leading the recitation of the Angelus with thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 19 November. “People might question the meaning and value of their presence in our day, when there are many situations of poverty and urgent need - the Pope continued -. Why live "enclosed" for ever within the walls of a convent or monastery and deprive other people of one’s proper abilities and experience? How can prayer solve concrete problems which continue to afflict humanity today?”
Also in our day no few people “give up a professional career often promising, to embrace the austere rule of an enclosed order” the Pope recalled, highlighting the decision of those who “bear silent witness that in the midst of daily vicissitudes often frenetic, the only support which never fails is God, the rock of steadfast fidelity and love”. And he continued: “In the face of widespread need felt by many to break daily routine in great urban cities and find places suitable for silence and meditation, convents of contemplative life are an "oasis" where man, a pilgrim on earth, can more easily draw from the sources of the Spirit and quench his thirst on his way. These apparently useless places are indispensable, like the green ‘lungs’ of a city: they are of benefit for all even those who never visit them or ignore their existence”.
Before reciting the Angelus, the Holy Father encouraged those present to thank God for enclosed nuns and monks and to support them with spiritual and material aid, so they may continue their mission “to keep alive in the Church the ardent desire for the return of Christ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2006 - righe 26, parole 381)