150,000 Faithful Celebrate Mass with Pope in Lisbon

(12 May 10- RV) During his 15^th international apostolic voyage, Pope Benedict XVI yesterday evening held his first Holy Mass on Portuguese soil for 150,000 faithful.:
Gusty skies and water , water everywhere; that was the backdrop for Pope Benedict’s altar , framed by the great River Teju that flows through Lisbon . And the cheering drowned the sound of the fog horns , the squawk of the sea gulls .
One could barely hear the choir singing the welcoming hymn, “Bem vindo”. Expressing their delight that “U terceiro papa”, the third Pope to come here from Rome was there with them in Lisbon before going in pilgrimage to Fatima the spiritual heart of their seafaring nation .
And in his homily the pope referred to that past .
Portugal he said has gained a glorious place among nations for the service rendered to the spreading of the faith. In all five continents there are local Churches that owe their origin to Portuguese missionary activity. When he began speaking the crowds 150.000 strong , spilling over to the neighbouring squares for lack of space , listened in silence in the impressive square of the venue , the Terreiru du Paso , meaning Promenade Esplanade .
And in this square on the water front, the Pope highlighted how in times past the departure of Portuguese seafarers and evangelisers neither impeded nor severed their bonds with their faith . Referring to the Christian wisdom with which they’d accepted cultures other than their own , with an open mentality , showing strength of mind he insisted rather than apparent weakness .
A cultural and religious identity the Holy Father insisted that the Portuguese can provide in the context of the European community . Let’s recall for a moment how this nation defended its Christian roots while co drafting the European Constitution .
Benedict XVI then went on to focus more specifically on the local Church .We know he said “that it is not without its quarrelsome and even rebellious sons and daughters but it is in the witness of the Saints that the Church finds her most profound joy” . Highlighting then the pastoral priority for all Christians today inviting them to be radiant witnesses of the gospel within families , culture , economy and politics .
Often the Pope noted “we take for granted that faith exists, a notion regrettably less than realistic”. Going on to question ecclesial structures and programmes, in the distribution of powers and functions, remarking that excessive trust may have been placed in them. “To avoid this happening it is necessary to proclaim anew with vigour and joy the Resurrection of Christ , an assurance that no adverse power will ever be able to destroy the Church” .
And all the while on a height on the opposite bank of the River the giant 50 year old statue of Cristo Rey , stood tall behind the pope, arms outstretched.
When the Mass ended Pope Benedict marked the 5th anniversary of the Shrine there , built by the Church to respect a vow of thanks for Portugal not entering the Second World War . For the Rector of this shrine the Pope had a message which was directed to the young , asking them to take example from the bishops and faithful Christians of that time who respected a vow made , leaving us in sculpture , a symbol of their love and gratitude for the preservation of peace in Portugal .
And later when all ended , the Vicar of Christ on earth opened his arms to young people gathered outside, the Apostolic Nunciature , his rest place in Lisbon . These future generations who may not have been allotted a dedicated time in the course of this Apostolic journey took it upon themselves to personally meet the Pope uninvited.