Card. Bertone: Prayers of religious fundamental in Conclave
(Vatican Radio) Below we publish the letter written by Secretary of State, Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, to the convents and monasteries of contemplative life worldwide,
in the lead up to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and conclave.
From
the Vatican, 21 February 2013
Reverend Mother, Reverend Father,
I
write to you as the whole Church anxiously follows the final days of the luminous
pontificate of His Holiness Benedict XVI and awaits the arrival of the successor whom
the Cardinals gathered in conclave and guided by the Holy Spirit will choose, after
discerning together the signs of the times of the Church and the world. His Holiness
Benedict XVI has asked all the faithful to accompany him with their prayers as he
commends the Petrine ministry into the Lord’s hands, and to await with trust the arrival
of the new Pope. In a particularly urgent way this appeal is addressed to those chosen
members of the Church who are contemplatives. The Holy Father is certain that you,
in your monasteries and convents throughout the world, will provide the precious resource
of that prayerful faith which down the centuries has accompanied and sustained the
Church along her pilgrim path. The coming conclave will thus depend in a special
way on the transparent purity of your prayer and worship. The most significant
example of this spiritual elevation which manifests the most authentic and profound
dimension of every ecclesial action, the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides the
Church, is offered to us by His Holiness Benedict XVI who, after having steered the
barque of Peter amid the waves of history, has chosen to devote himself above all
to prayer, contemplation and reflection. The Holy Father, with whom I shared the
contents of this letter, was deeply appreciative, and asked me to thank you and to
assure you of his immense love and esteem. With affection in Christ I send you
greetings, united with you in prayer.