Felicitations for Pope’s 60th anniversary of priesthood

(June 29 , 2011) For the 60^th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination to the priesthood on Wednesday, the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, prayers and good wishes were expressed by bishops from various parts of the world. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the President of the Italian Bishops Conference, in the name of all the bishops of Italy, prayed to God for an abundance of heavenly favours on the Pope and for the gifts of renewed energy to realize his good plans for the salvation of the world. Cardinal Bagnasco also renewed their unconditional loyalty, saying the Pope could always rely on their prayers and support .
The Canadian Bishops also conveyed their prayerful wishes to the Pope. Their President Bishop Pierre Morisette of Saint-Jerome, expressed profound appreciation for his teachings and theological writings, saying they were a source of insight, inspiration and intellectual inspiration.
And the Custodian of the Holy Land – Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed gratitude to God for the gift of Pope Benedict as the universal Pastor of the Church. His message of good wishes to the Pope said on the occasion of the 6oth anniversary of his priesthood, Masses would be celebrated on Wednesday in all the sanctuaries of their missions in the Middle East, and special prayers would be offered for the Pope’s intentions.
The President of Italy - Giorgio Napolitano also sent his good wishes to the Pope, expressing deep admiration for the constant testimony of his profound spiritual and moral values in favour of peace and dialogue between nations.