Pope’s Sunday ‘Angelus’ of June 13

(June 14, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI entrusted “all the priests of the world” to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whose feast occurred on Saturday, “so they may, with the power of the Gospel, continue everywhere to build the civilisation of love”. The Pope made the dedication before reciting his weekly ‘Angelus’ prayer at midday on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square. Looking back at Friday’s closing Mass for the conclusion of the Year for Priests, in which “more than 15,000 priests from every part of the world,” participated, the Pope reminded his listeners that it was the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Christ, a day traditionally dedicated to “priestly sanctification”. “Priests,” he pointed out “are a gift of Christ’s heart, a gift for the Church and the world.” “From the Heart of the Son of God, overflowing with charity, springs all the riches of the Church—from it originates especially the vocation of these men.” “Priests,” he said, “are shaped by the Christ’s own charity, by the love that drove Him to give his life for his friends and even forgive his enemies. For this, priests are the first labourers of the civilisation of love.” He particularly recalled the Curé d’Ars, St. John Mary-Vianney, whose 150 death anniversary was marked during the Year for Priests. The Holy Father also mentioned Polish priest and martyr, Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko, beatified a week earlier in Warsaw, who he said “exercised his generous and courageous ministry next to those who were working for freedom, in the defence of life and its dignity. "If we look at history,” the Pope said, “we can see how many pages of real spiritual and social renewal were written with the decisive contribution of Catholic priests.” He said that all the good of the Year for Priests cannot be measured, but people will certainly see its fruits.