Pope Stresses Need for Solid Priestly Formation

(19 Aug 09 - RV) Hundreds of people including pilgrims who had come from as far a field as Nigeria and India packed the courtyard of the Papal Summer Residence at Castelgandolfo in the Roman Hills for the Holy Father’s weekly general audience.

A smiling and relaxed Pope Benedict greeted those present enthusiastically even managing to lift high his arm which has been in a cast as a result of a fall for the last few weeks.

The Pope’s catechesis on Wednesday turned to a Saint whose feast day is celebrated on August 19th Saint John Eudes.

The Holy Father described this Saint as a man of immense courage and said he great understanding for the priests spiritual mission.

“He lived in seventeenth-century France which, notwithstanding considerable trials for the faith, produced many outstanding examples of spiritual courage and insight. Saint John Eudes’ particular contribution was the foundation of a religious congregation dedicated to the task of giving solid formation to the diocesan priesthood. He encouraged seminarians to grow in holiness and to trust in God’s love revealed to humanity in the priestly heart of Jesus and in the maternal heart of Mary”.

Pope Benedict again highlighted the fact 2009 is the year of the Priest and added that both St Eudes and the years patron St John Vianney were both shining examples priestly sanctity. The Pope also looked at the world in which priests live today and said that it was necessary for them to bear witness to the infinite merciful heart of Jesus:


“During this year let us pray in a special way for priests and seminarians that, inspired by today’s saint, they may spiritually “enter into the heart of Jesus”, becoming men of true love, mercy, humility and patience, renewed in holiness and pastoral zeal. My dear Brothers and Sisters, upon you and your families I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!”