VATICAN CITY, MAY 12, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the community of the college of Santa Maria dell'Anima. The institution is celebrating the sixth centenary of its foundation by the Bull of Pope Innocent VII, who exonerated it from all jurisdiction save that of the Pope, and took it under his own personal protection. Santa Maria dell'Anima houses German-speaking priests studying in the pontifical universities of Rome, and is linked with the Roman church of the same name, center of the German-speaking Catholic community in the Italian capital.
"Ever since its inception," said the Pope in German, "two traits have characterized this institution: veneration for the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and a special link with the Holy See. ... Mary extends her hands to protect the souls of pilgrims, both those on the road of life, and those on the road to Rome."
"Since 1859, during the time of my predecessor Blessed Pope Pius IX," the Holy Father continued, "this institution has ensured that its resident priests and seminarians obtain a full understanding of 'romanitas Ecclesiae,' ... and the German-speaking community in Rome has its home in Santa Maria dell'Anima. Thus, Catholics from those lands have the opportunity of praying, singing and receiving the Sacraments in their own language."
The Pope concluded by inviting the priests and the heads of the institution to give priority, among all their activities, "to sacramental life," and to continue to be a spiritual beacon for the Italian capital city.
AC/.../SANTA MARIA DELL'ANIMA VIS 20060512 (270)
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