(August 30, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI said on Sunday he was constantly praying for
the Chilean miners trapped underground and urged them to remain calm as efforts continue
to free them. Speaking to pilgrims and tourists after his weekly midday ‘Angelus’
prayer at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father assured the
33 men and their families that he was spiritually close to them and was praying for
a “happy conclusion» to their ordeal. The men have been trapped in a mine 700 meters
below the Atacama Desert since Aug. 5. Chilean officials say it could take months
to drill an escape tunnel to free them. Speaking in Spanish, the Pope said he was
thinking “with particular affection” about the miners, assuring them of his spiritual
closeness and his continual prayers, so that they remain serene in hopes of a happy
conclusion to the work that's being done to rescue them. At Sunday’s ‘Angelus’, Pope
Benedict also mentioned “Save Creation Day”, sponsored by Italy’s Catholic Bishops,
which will be celebrated on 1 September. Calling the event an important tradition
at the ecumenical level as well, the Pope said, “This year reminds us that peace cannot
be achieved without respect for the environment.” “We have in fact a duty to pass
the earth onto the next generations in such state that they can live in it with dignity
and further preserve it. May the Lord help us in this task!” he added. Earlier,
before the ‘Angelus’prayer, Pope Benedict reflected on Sunday’s Gospel of Luke where
Jesus urges people through a parable to humble themselves and take the lowest place
at the wedding banquet and not invite friends, brothers, relatives or wealthy neighbours
but the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind who cannot repay. The Pontiff
pointed out that through the parable, Jesus underscores “man’s position in relation
to God,” who Himself set the example by taking “the lowest place in the world - the
Cross,” and by this radical humility he redeemed us and constantly comes to our aid.
The Holy Father exhorted all to look up to Christ as the model of humility and selflessness
and learn how to be patient against temptations, lenient towards insults and obedient
towards God when in pain and awaiting His reward to move to a higher position.