Pope recalls UK visit a year ago

(September 19, 2011) A solemn thanksgiving Mass was celebrated in London’s Westminster Cathedral on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s historic state visit to United Kingdom last year. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent a message on the Pope’s behalf for the occasion, expressing his gratitude to the Queen, the government and all those who contributed to the happy outcome of his visit. In the message read during the thanksgiving Mass, the Pope hoped that Eucharistic celebration will serve as a renewed summons to take up the challenge which he issued a year ago in Westminster Cathedral: i.e. to bear joyful witness to the truth of the Gospel “which liberates our minds and enlightens our efforts to live wisely and well, both as individuals and as members of society”. The Holy Father particularly encouraged seminarians to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their intellectual and spiritual formation, and to be steadfast heralds of the new evangelization. The Pope commended all to the intercession of Blessed John Henry Newman, whom he beatified during his UK visit.