Vatican
City, 25 February 2013
(VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., sent a
letter to the monasteries devoted to contemplative life around the
world, invitign them to intensify their prayers at this special
moment in the life of the Church. Following is the entire text of the
message that is dated 21 February.
“I
write to you as the whole Church anxiously follows the final days of
the luminous pontificate of His Holiness Benedict XVI and awaits the
arrival of the successor whom the Cardinals gathered in conclave and
guided by the Holy Spirit will choose, after discerning together the
signs of the times of the Church and the world.”
“His
Holiness Benedict XVI has asked all the faithful to accompany him
with their prayers as he commends the Petrine ministry into the
Lord’s hands, and to await with trust the arrival of the new Pope.
In a particularly urgent way this appeal is addressed to those chosen
members of the Church who are contemplatives. The Holy Father is
certain that you, in your monasteries and convents throughout the
world, will provide the precious resource of that prayerful faith
which down the centuries has accompanied and sustained the Church
along her pilgrim path. The coming conclave will thus depend in a
special way on the transparent purity of your prayer and worship.”
“The
most significant example of this spiritual elevation which manifests
the most authentic and profound dimension of every ecclesial action,
the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides the Church, is offered to
us by His Holiness Benedict XVI who, after having steered the barque
of Peter amid the waves of history, has chosen to devote himself
above all to prayer, contemplation and reflection.”
“The
Holy Father, with whom I shared the contents of this letter, was
deeply appreciative, and asked me to thank you and to assure you of
his immense love and esteem.”
“With
affection in Christ I send you greetings, united with you in prayer.”
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