Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on the early Christian writers of
East and West, we now turn to Saint Bede the Venerable. A monk of the monastery of
Wearmouth in England, Bede became one of the most learned men of the early Middle
Ages and a prolific author, while also gaining a reputation for great holiness and
wisdom. His scriptural commentaries highlight the unity of the Old and New Testaments,
centred on the mystery of Christ and the Church. Bede is best known, however, for
his historical writings, in which he traced the history of the Church from the Acts
of the Apostles, through the age of the Fathers and Councils, and down to his own
times. His Ecclesiastical History recounts the Church’s missionary expansion and
growth among the English people. Bede’s rich ecclesial, liturgical and historical
vision enable his writings to serve as a guide for the Church’s teachers, pastors
and religious in living out their vocations in the service of the Church’s mission.
His great learning and the sanctity of his life, earned Bede the title of “Venerable”,
while the rapid spread of his writings made him a highly influential figure in the
building of a Christian Europe.
I offer a warm welcome to the pilgrimage group
from the Diocese of Arlington led by Bishop Paul Loverde, and to the School Sisters
of Notre Dame taking part in a program of spiritual renewal. I also greet the many
student groups present. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims, especially the visitors
from England, Ireland, Sweden, Japan and the United States, I cordially invoke God’s
blessings of joy and peace!