Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Continuing our catechesis on medieval Christian culture,
we now turn to Saint Anthony of Padua, a contemporary of Saint Francis who helped
lay the foundations of the Franciscan theological and spiritual tradition. Born in
Lisbon, Anthony became an Augustinian canon and then a Franciscan Friar. His great
eloquence and learning made him one of the great preachers of his time. His Sermons,
imbued with the traditional spiritual exegesis of the Scriptures, offer a guide to
growth in the Christian life and stress the importance of prayer as a loving and joy-filled
conversation with the Lord. Here we see one of the principal characteristics of Franciscan
theology: its emphasis on God’s love, which grants spiritual knowledge and transforms
our lives. At a time of great economic growth, Anthony called for the cultivation
of interior riches and sensitivity to the needs of the poor. Typical also of the
Franciscan tradition is his stress on the contemplation of Christ in his humanity,
particularly in the mysteries of the Nativity and the Crucifixion. In this Year for
Priests, let us ask Saint Anthony to pray that all preachers will communicate a burning
love for Christ, a thirst for closeness to the Lord in prayer, and a deeper appreciation
of the truth and beauty of God’s word.
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I am pleased to
offer a warm welcome to the Delegation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
here with us today. I also greet all the English-speaking visitors present at this
Audience, especially those from England, Denmark and the United States. Upon all
of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!