(October 03, 2012) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general, where pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance of seeing
and hearing him speak in several languages and receive his blessing. The audience
of October 3rd was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. It began with a reading
from letter of St. Paul to the Colossians in several languages. An aide greeted the
Pope on behalf of the English speaking pilgrims, introducing the various groups to
him. Pope Benedict then spoke in English.
Listen: Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I would like to highlight the ecclesial
nature of liturgical prayer. The liturgy is a “participation in Christ’s own prayer
addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1073).
The Church, as Christ’s Mystical Body and united with him, offers worship to the Father.
By identifying ourselves with Christ in his prayer to the Father, we rediscover our
deepest identity as Christians, as children of “Our Father who art in heaven”. The
liturgy is also an encounter of the whole Christ, that is, with Christ and his body
the Church. Thus, the liturgy is a sharing in the prayer of the living, universal
community of believers in Christ. Prayer becomes the habitual realization of the presence
of God, as we make the words of the Church our own, and learn to speak in her and
through her. The Church is most truly itself in the liturgy, as it is the place where
God comes to us and enters our lives. Let us remember that the liturgy is celebrated
for God, not for us; it is his work; he is its subject. For our part, in the liturgy
we must leave ourselves open to be guided by him and by his Body, the Church. I
greet all the English-speaking pilgrims present, including the Saint Hallvard Boys'
choir from Oslo. I also welcome students from the Pontifical North American College,
who are to be ordained deacon tomorrow. Dear ordinands, always be faithful heralds
of the Gospel and generous witnesses to the love of Christ! Upon you and your loved
ones, and indeed upon all present, I invoke God’s abundant blessings. Thank you!