Pope’s message for International Priestly Retreat

(Sept.29,2009).: - A videotaped message of Pope Benedict XVI was sent on Tuesday to the participants of International Priestly Retreat currently in session at Ars in France. The theme of the Sept. 27 to Oct.3 retreat is “The joy of the priest consecrated to the salvation of the world”. In this Year of the Priesthood, the Pope said, “Priests are called to explore and rediscover the greatness of the priestly sacrament. Specially chosen from among men, the priest is called to serve and to continue the work of Christ’s redemption.”
The Pope pointed out that the more a priest perseveres in the friendship of God, the easier it will be for him to continue the work of the Redeemer on earth. The Pope stressed that a priest should be a man of joy and of hope. “The religion of St. Jean Marie Vianney – the Cure of Ars, is a religion of happiness” said the Pope , and “a good pastor is the greatest treasure that God may grant to a Parish.”
Asking priests to ponder over the numerous Masses they celebrate, the numerous absolutions they give, and the many good acts they perform in the service of the Church, the Pope said “Your hands, your lips become within a moment, the hands and lips of God. You carry Christ within you”. Urging them to give thanks to God for being priests, the Pope urged concluded saying “ Nothing will ever replace the ministry of priests at the heart of the Church”.