(October 21, 2009) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak. The Holy Father delivers a spiritual reflection
and greets various groups in their languages, including in English. The General
Audience of Oct 21st was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. It began
with aides reading a scripture passage in various languages. An aide greeted the
Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims, and presented the various groups
to him. Pope Benedict then delivered a reflection in English. Listen: Dear Brothers
and Sisters, In our continuing catechesis on the theologians of the Middle
Ages, we now turn to one of the most outstanding, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard
combined the austerity of the Cistercian monastic renewal with intense activity in
the service of the Church in his time. Because of his great learning and deep spirituality
he is venerated as a Doctor of the Church, and is often called “the last of the Fathers”.
Together with his theological writings and homilies, including the celebrated Sermons
on the Song of Songs, Bernard maintained a vast correspondence, developed warm friendships
with his contemporaries, defended sound doctrine, and combated heresy and outbreaks
of antisemitism. His spirituality was profoundly Christ-centred and contemplative,
and his celebration of the sweetness of Christ’s name won him the title of Doctor
mellifluus. Bernard is also known for his fervent devotion to our Lady and his insight
into her intimate sharing in the sacrifice of her Son. May Bernard’s example of a
faith nourished by prayer, study and contemplation, lead us closer “to Jesus through
Mary” and grant us that wisdom which finds joyful fulfilment in the knowledge of the
saints in heaven. I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims
present at today’s Audience, especially from the Dioceses of Lismore and Saginaw accompanied
by their Bishops, as well as from Holy Cross and Saint Margaret Mary Parish in Edinburgh.
I also greet the visitors from the Netherlands, Nigeria, Tanzania, England, Ireland,
Norway and Sweden. Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of peace, joy and hope!