VATICAN CITY, 1 FEB 2009 (VIS) - At midday, before praying the Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI recalled the fact that today in Italy marks the Day for Life, the theme of which this year is: "The power of life in suffering".
"Jesus always taught His disciples that in order to enter into glory He had to suffer, to be rejected, condemned and crucified. Suffering was an integral part of His mission", said the Pope.
"Jesus suffered and died on the cross for love. In this way He gave meaning to our own suffering, a meaning that many men and women of all ages have understood and made their own, thus experiencing profound serenity even amid the bitterness of harsh physical and moral trials".
Recalling then the theme of the Day for Life, a theme chosen by Italian bishops, the Pope explained how it reflects "the pastors' love for their people and the courage to announce the truth, the courage to say clearly, for example, that euthanasia is a false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution unworthy of humankind.
"The true response cannot, in fact, be that of delivering people to death, however 'sweet' a death it may be, but of bearing witness to the love that helps people face pain and agony in a human way. We can be certain that no tear, either of those who suffer or of their loved ones, is lost before God".
The Holy Father concluded by entrusting to the protection of the Virgin Mary people who suffer "and those who work day after day to support them, serving life at every stage: parents, healthcare workers, priests, religious, researchers, volunteers, and many others".
ANG/DAY FOR LIFE/... VIS 20090202 (300)
"Jesus always taught His disciples that in order to enter into glory He had to suffer, to be rejected, condemned and crucified. Suffering was an integral part of His mission", said the Pope.
"Jesus suffered and died on the cross for love. In this way He gave meaning to our own suffering, a meaning that many men and women of all ages have understood and made their own, thus experiencing profound serenity even amid the bitterness of harsh physical and moral trials".
Recalling then the theme of the Day for Life, a theme chosen by Italian bishops, the Pope explained how it reflects "the pastors' love for their people and the courage to announce the truth, the courage to say clearly, for example, that euthanasia is a false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution unworthy of humankind.
"The true response cannot, in fact, be that of delivering people to death, however 'sweet' a death it may be, but of bearing witness to the love that helps people face pain and agony in a human way. We can be certain that no tear, either of those who suffer or of their loved ones, is lost before God".
The Holy Father concluded by entrusting to the protection of the Virgin Mary people who suffer "and those who work day after day to support them, serving life at every stage: parents, healthcare workers, priests, religious, researchers, volunteers, and many others".
ANG/DAY FOR LIFE/... VIS 20090202 (300)
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