(Vatican Radio) In reflections before the midday Angelus prayer, marking the feast
of Saints Peter and Paul this Friday, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the universal
and ecumenical value of the liturgical feast. From the window of his study high above
a sun drenched St. Peter’s Square the Pope drew the attention of the thousands of
pilgrims and visitors to the statues of the two great Saints, who are also Protectors
of Rome. Emer McCarthy reports:
Rome, he said “bears inscriptions in its history
of the life and glorious death of the humble fisherman of Galilee and the Apostle
to the Gentiles, whom she has rightly chosen as her Protectors. Recalling their luminous
witness, we remember the venerable beginnings of the Church that in Rome that believes,
prays and proclaims, Christ the Redeemer”.
But he continued “the Saints Peter
and Paul not only shine in the sky of Rome, but in the heart of all believers who,
enlightened by their teaching and by their example, all over the world walk the path
of faith, hope and charity. On this road to salvation the Christian community, supported
by the presence of the Spirit of the living God, feels encouraged to continue strong
and serene on the path of fidelity to Christ and proclamation of his Gospel to men
of all time”.
Taking part in Friday’s celebrations, a delegation from the Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople and an Anglican choir from Westminster Abbey, who joined
the Sistine Chapel choir in Mass Friday morning during which the Pope bestowed the
pallium on 40 new Metropolitan Archbishops from across the universal Church.
In
his Angelus reflections Pope Benedict said: "The bestowing of the pallium …is also
part of this fruitful spiritual and missionary itinerary”. “It highlights the intimate
communion of pastors with the Successor of Peter and the deep bond that binds us to
the apostolic tradition. This is a double treasure of holiness, which blends together
the unity and catholicity of the Church: a precious treasure to be rediscovered and
lived with renewed enthusiasm and continued commitment. "
He concluded: "Dear
pilgrims, gathered here from all over the world! In this day of celebration, we pray
with the Liturgy of the East:" Praise be to Peter and Paul, these two great lights
of the Church, who shine in the firmament of Faith. "May the Blessed Virgin leads
all believers in Christ to the goal of full unity! ".