(March 31, 2010) 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 March 31st was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. This week’s General
Audience was on the coming three days leading up to Easter Sunday. Listen:
Dear Brothers
and Sisters, Tomorrow the Church begins her celebration of the Easter Triduum,
a time devoted to silent prayer and contemplation of the mystery of the Lord’s passion,
death and resurrection. The liturgies of these days invite us to ponder Christ’s
saving sacrifice and his promise of new life. In this Year for Priests, the Holy
Thursday Chrism Mass, at which priests renew the promises made on the day of their
ordination, will take on a particular significance. May priests everywhere be conformed
ever more closely to Christ as heralds of his message of hope, reconciliation and
peace! The Mass of the Lord’s Supper, celebrated the evening of Holy Thursday, recalls
the institution of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders. The liturgy of
Good Friday, in which we enter into the mystery of Christ’s redemptive death, invites
us to contemplate the deep relationship between the Last Supper and the sacrifice
of Calvary. Following the great silence of Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil proclaims
the resurrection of Christ and his victory over sin and death. May the joy of the
resurrection even now fill our hearts as we prepare to celebrate the great events
of the Lord’s Passover from death to the fullness of life. I am pleased
to welcome all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience, especially
those from England, Japan, Canada and the United States. I also greet the various
student groups present, including those taking part in the annual “Univ Congress”.
Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!