Pope Benedict XVI Meditates on Penance

(February 25, 2010) On Wednesday, the third day of Pope Benedict XVI's spiritual exercises retreat, the Pontiff spent meditating on penance and its relation to the priestly vocation. The annual seven-day spiritual exercises for the Pontiff and the Roman Curia began Sunday afternoon. This year's retreat is focusing on "The Lessons of God and of the Church in the Priestly Vocation." This theme was chosen to reflect the Year for Priests currently underway. Salesian Father Enrico dal Covolo, who was chosen to preach the meditations, spoke on Monday about the example of St. Augustine. The Holy Father and the Curia prayed that day for priestly vocations. Tuesday, they prayed for missionaries and meditated on St. John Vianney, the "Cure of Ars." Wednesday, the penitential day, included meditations titled "The Biblical History of Vocation: Temptation, Doubt and Resistance Form Part of Our History" and "Always Sinners and Always Forgiven." Thursday, the Christological day, will centre on the vocation of the first disciples. On Friday Father dal Covolo will lead meditations on Mary, her Magnificat and her vocation. One is titled "God's Approval: The Story of the Annunciation." The evening's meditation will focus on Venerable John Paul II. Saturday morning the retreat will end with a meditation on the call of the first deacons. Each day of the retreat includes the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the preached meditations and adoration with Eucharistic benediction.