Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today I would like to speak about the writings of a
little-known author from the eighth century – the Benedictine monk and abbot Ambrose
Autpert. The turbulence of the times in which he lived affected life within the monasteries,
and many of Autpert’s writings summon his brethren to rekindle the fervour of their
monastic vocation. One of his most widely-read works is his Conflict between the
vices and the virtues, designed to assist his monks in their daily spiritual struggle.
For each of twenty-four vices threatening the soul, he indicated the corresponding
virtue that would help the Christian to overcome temptation. Observing the widespread
thirst for power and wealth in society of that time, he taught that greed is the root
of all vices, and he urged his contemporaries to seek the narrow gate that leads to
life. In his extensive commentary on the Book of Revelation, viewed as a treatise
on the Church, Autpert taught that Christ must “be born, die and rise again every
day in us, his body”. Hence the Virgin Mary serves as a model of the Church. Indeed,
Autpert is considered the first great Marian theologian in the West, and he writes
with an almost mystical love for the Blessed Virgin. Love, he says, is the key to
our knowledge of God. Intellectual study may point the way, but only when we love
God do we truly know him. Following Autpert’s teaching, let us strive to grow daily
in our love for God.* * * * * I am pleased to welcome the English-speaking pilgrims
and visitors here today, including groups from Britain and Ireland, Scandinavia, Australia,
Canada and the United States of America. I extend a special greeting to the young
people from India. Upon all of you, and upon your families and loved ones, I invoke
God’s blessings of joy and peace.