Pope Benedict XVI Thanks the Cardinal at the end of the retreat in the Vatican

(March 7, 2009) At the conclusion of the retreat at the Vatican the Holy Father expressed his gratitude to Cardinal Francis Arinze for the meditation, guidance and in the help towards the renewal of priesthood. What he received, said Pope Benedict was the sound doctrine: the bread of good faith. The Pope said that “At the beginning was the beautiful always fascinating history of the first disciples who followed Jesus and a little timid and uncertain demand: "Teacher, where are you staying?” And the answer from Jesus was: "Come and see." The Cardinal explained that to see we have come, we must walk and follow Jesus who goes before us always and only when we follow Jesus we can see. He showed us where Jesus lived, where he stays, namely, in His Church, in His Word, the Holy Eucharist.” The Pope showed his appreciation of the use of the Book of Ezechiel, as contemplated by St Augustine, where Lord, the Good Shepherd says to the people: "I lead my sheep on the mountains of Israel, on grassy pastures." St Augustine wonders where these mountains of Israel, what are these grassy pastures and he says the mountains of Israel, grassy pastures are the Sacred Scriptures, the Word of God who gives us the real nourishment. His preaching is imbued of Sacred Scripture, with a great familiarity with the Word of God read in the context of the Church.” Then the Pope added saying that “His theology is not an abstract theology, but marked by a healthy realism. I have always admired, I liked this experience in the 50 years of priesthood and also as the bishop. I hope that many will read these words and take to heart.” Finally he thanked Cardinal Arinze for the good guidance and wished him a good lent and Easter.