MAY THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SUPPORT THE FAITH OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Vatican City, 23 May 2012 (VIS) - Following his catechesis in this morning's general audience, Benedict XVI pronounced greetings in various languages to the more than 20,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. Speaking Polish, he recalled that next Sunday marks the Solemnity of Pentecost. "Together with Mary and the Apostles, let us persevere in prayer", he said. "With Christ, let us ask our Father God for His Spirit to permeate our thoughts and actions, that we may become increasingly worthy of the dignity of children of God".

In other languages the Holy Father said "Let us pray to God to send the Holy Spirit with abundance of gifts that we may become courageous witnesses of Christ. ... May the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost always support and nourish the life of faith of the Christian community. Dear young people, place the search for God above all other things. ... Dear sick people, may the Spirit be a help and comfort in your moment of greatest need".