Pope’s annual retreat on priestly vocation

(February 19, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI will be on his annual spiritual retreat next week starting from Sunday evening. Salesian priest, Fr. Enrico dal Covolo who was selected to preach the seven-day retreat, said the theme of this spiritual exercise will be on priestly vocation based on the verse from the First Book of Kings: "Give me, Lord, an understanding heart." The 59-year old priest is the general postulator of the Salesians and a professor of ancient Christian literature at the Pontifical Salesian University. The 17 meditations preached by Father dal Covolo will center on the priestly vocation, as the Church continues to celebrate the Year for Priests. Each day of the retreat will include the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the preached meditations and adoration with Eucharistic benediction. During the week all papal audiences will be suspended, including the general audience of Wednesday, Feb. 24.