Pope Benedict XVI: pray for success of WYD 2011

Pope Benedict XVI held his weekly General Audience today, during which he looked forward to his departure Thursday for World Youth Day in Madrid. Speaking to the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the Papal Summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI asked all those present to unite themselves spiritually in prayer for the success of World Youth Day Madrid, 2011. The Pope made his request after the main catechesis, during which he reflected on the need for spiritual quiet in order to discern the promptings of the Spirit, and offered Mary as the example of silent recollection and meditation that, he said, comes to us in the Christian tradition as “spiritual oration”. “[D]ay after day,” said Pope Benedict, “in the silence of ordinary life, Mary continued to treasure in her heart the wonderful events to which she was witness, even unto the ultimate trial of the Cross and the glory of the Resurrection.” After the catechesis, the Holy Father had greetings for pilgrims in many languages, including English.

I offer a cordial welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors here today, especially those from Malta, South Korea, Nigeria and Canada. Through the intercession of our Lady, whose Assumption we celebrated on Monday, may you and your loved ones draw ever closer to Jesus her Son. Upon all of you I invoke God’s abundant blessings!

On Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI travels to the Spanish capital, Madrid, to participate in World Youth Day celebrations, which culminate with an open-air Mass on Sunday. Listen