Pope Benedict Gifts Golden Rose to National Shrine

(17 Apr 08 - RV) At the end of Wednesday's encounter with US bishop's, Pope Benedict XVI was presented with a gift from US Catholics and in turn made his own special presentation.

Below we publish the off the cuff exchange between the Holy Father and President of the United States Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal Francis George.

Cardinal George:

Thank you Holy Father. We are all very well aware that today is your 81s birthday. You learned this morning that even the school children in the Archdiocese of Washington under the coaching of Archbishop Weurl sing in German (Pope laughter.. and adds “and also in Latin!) At the White House this morning on the lawn, before the choir could sing, the people sang Happy Birthday to you and along the route many people had signs in German, Italian, Spanish and English, wishing you a happy birthday and we ourselves, when we had lunch with you this afternoon had the chance to wish you a happy birthday. Those of us here, and those of us watching at this moment are privileged to be sharing a part of this day with you. In honouring the gift of your life, we the bishops and faithful of the United States, would also like to honour your ministry. Your first encyclical reminded us that God is Love, and we express that love especially in our concern for those who are in need, knowing that Jesus said “Whatever you do to one of these least brothers of mine you do for me” we know that one of the first tasks of your ministry is caring for these least brothers and sisters around the entire world. There fore I’d like to present to you in celebration of the your birthday this gift of 870, 000 dollars, it represents the offerings of the faithful gathered in these last several weeks, from dioceses throughout the United States to assist the charitable works that you under take. Holy Father from the faithful and from the bishops of the United States, Happy Birthday!”.

Pope Benedict XVI:

“I have received so many gifts from you I have seen the generosity of the American faithful, of the American Catholic Church, now I have a small gift for the Shrine (National Shrine – ed) the Golden Rose for Our Mother Mary (applause) and a second and special gift. Before leaving, I would like to acknowledge the immense suffering endured by the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina, as well as their courage in the challenge work of rebuilding. I would like to present Archbishop Alfred Hughes with a Chalice which I hope will be accepted as a sign of my prayerful solidarity with the faithful of the Archdiocese and my personal gratitude for their tireless devotion, which he and Archbishop Philip Hannen and Francis Schulte showed towards the flock entrusted to their care, this will be my gift.