At Wednesday General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI encourages more than 40,000 young Altar-servers to heed the call of Jesus

(02 Aug 20069 : Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday morning arrived at the Vatican by helicopter from his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, to meet thousands of Altar-servers waiting for him at the General Audience. Having spent a few weeks of vacation in the Italian Alps, the Pontiff returned to Castel Gandolfo on 28 August, where he is scheduled to stay through September. A special pilgrimage was arranged by Coetes Internationalis Ministrantium – a European group that organizes pilgrimages for altar servers and choir members from across the continent. In addition to the papal audience, more than 40,000 youth from 18 European countries, majority of them from Germany, took part in this year’s two-day celebrations, with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, saying a special Mass with them on Tuesday evening.

Pope Benedict delivered in German, a reflection on the theme ‘Spiritus Vivificat’ – the Living Spirit, to the young Alter-servers. He said: “I wish to offer you a message that can accompany you in your life and service. In my past audiences I have been talking about the Apostles for my catechesis, beginning with Peter, Andrew, John and others. The apostles have been ‘friends’ of Jesus. What Jesus said to his apostles at the last supper, he is telling the same thing to you: “I do not call you servants anymore, but friends. Remain in my love and you will bear the fruits.” Jesus invites each one of you for intense and deep relationship with the Living Holy Spirit, so that you will transform into brave witnesses of Jesus’ gospel. As Altar-Servers, you all are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist and this is the greatest sign of Friendship between you and Jesus. Remain true to your friendship with Jesus and be his true apostles to carry out good works and services in your life, in family and school.” Listen to the promptings of the Living Holy Spirit carefully, so that many of you may respond willingly to the Lord’s call to become his disciples.”