VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received the "gentiluomini di Sua Santita," a group of laymen who attend to protocol during official pontifical ceremonies and audiences, thanking them for their service to Peter's Successor.
"Yours is an honorable service which is part of the centuries-old tradition of the Pontifical Household," he told them. "Today, of course, everything [in the Pontifical Household] seems simpler than it was, but if functions and roles have changed with respect to the past, the goal of those who work there remains the same: service to the Successor of the Apostle Peter."
After pointing out that the Christmas period, "during which we contemplated the Savior Who came to earth," was drawing to a close, Benedict XVI said: "Illuminated by that great mystery, we begin this new year with serenity and trust, under the sign of God's life-giving love."
The Pope went on: "All roles are important when one cooperates in realizing the Kingdom of God. In order to be able to proceed, the ship of Peter has need of many unseen services which, together with other more visible ones, contribute to ensuring a safe voyage. It is vital that the shared goal should never be lost from sight: dedication to Christ and to His work of salvation."
AC/SERVICE/GENTILUOMINI VIS 20060109 (230)
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