(October 14, 2009) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak. The Holy Father delivers a spiritual reflection
and greets various groups in their languages, including in English. The General
Audience of Oct 14th was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides
reading a scripture passage in various languages. An aide greeted the Pope on behalf
of the English-speaking pilgrims, and presented the various groups to him. Pope Benedict
then delivered a reflection in English. Listen: Dear Brothers
and Sisters, Our catechesis today considers an outstanding churchman of
the early twelfth century, Peter the Venerable, abbot of Cluny. Despite his pressing
responsibilities and frequent travels in the service of the Church, Peter maintained
a contemplative spirit, deep inner tranquillity, rigorous asceticism and a capacity
for warm friendships. His ability to combine love of God with sincere love of neighbour
found expression in a lively sense of the Church. He urged all the members of Christ’s
Body to be concerned for the trials and difficulties of the universal Church, and
he expressed an interest in those outside the Church, specifically Jews and Muslims,
in ways which were remarkable for his day. Prayer stood at the heart of Peter’s theology
and spirituality, which were nourished by the monastic liturgy and meditation on the
mysteries of Christ’s life. At Cluny he introduced the feast of the Transfiguration
and composed its prayers, centred on the contemplation of the glorious face of Christ.
By his ability to combine prayer and contemplation with love of neighbour and a commitment
to the renewal of society, Peter the Venerable reflected the Benedictine ideal and
serves as an example to Christians today in their efforts to live holy and integrated
lives in our often stressful society. I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking
pilgrims present at today’s Audience, including the pupils and staff from Saint Andrew’s
High School, Carntyne, Glasgow, and other school and university groups from England
and Norway. May your visit to Rome be a time of deep spiritual renewal. Upon all
of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!