VATICAN CITY, 2 JUL 2010 (VIS) - The "Osservatore Romano" today published a Letter from the Holy Father to Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. for the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination as a priest, which fell yesterday 1 July.
In his Letter, dated 1 June, the Pope reminds Cardinal Bertone how, "with the laying on of hands of our venerable brother Albino Mensa, you were promoted to Holy Orders" and how, "following further studies in jurisprudence, you dedicated yourself to educating and guiding the young through teaching and writing, both inside and outside your Salesian family".
The Holy Father then goes on to recall the fact that, at the wish of John Paul II, Tarcisio Bertone "was appointed to the role of secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith", a move which established "a happy familiarity between the two of us in the work we shared", he writes.
He also mentions the cardinal's pastoral ministry as head of the Italian archdiocese of Genoa, where "you dedicated your zeal and your apostolic labours for the benefit of that ecclesial community", says the Pope, "and where you achieved an even more illustrious title with your admittance to the College of Cardinals.
"Thinking of more recent times", the Holy Father adds, "it was our desire to keep you at our side as a collaborator, appointing you as our secretary of State, with whom to share decisions and duties. There is no doubt that you are showing great commitment and great skill as you participate in our pastoral projects for the universal Church, and in our initiatives for the whole world, that the family of God may be strengthened and the world become more harmonious".
Benedict XVI concludes by expressing his happiness at the recollection "of the joyful beginning of your priesthood", and assures Cardinal Bertone "of our feelings of respect and of our congratulations", while imploring, "by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians and of St. John Bosco, ... abundant rewards from the Divine Master".
BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20100702 (360)
In his Letter, dated 1 June, the Pope reminds Cardinal Bertone how, "with the laying on of hands of our venerable brother Albino Mensa, you were promoted to Holy Orders" and how, "following further studies in jurisprudence, you dedicated yourself to educating and guiding the young through teaching and writing, both inside and outside your Salesian family".
The Holy Father then goes on to recall the fact that, at the wish of John Paul II, Tarcisio Bertone "was appointed to the role of secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith", a move which established "a happy familiarity between the two of us in the work we shared", he writes.
He also mentions the cardinal's pastoral ministry as head of the Italian archdiocese of Genoa, where "you dedicated your zeal and your apostolic labours for the benefit of that ecclesial community", says the Pope, "and where you achieved an even more illustrious title with your admittance to the College of Cardinals.
"Thinking of more recent times", the Holy Father adds, "it was our desire to keep you at our side as a collaborator, appointing you as our secretary of State, with whom to share decisions and duties. There is no doubt that you are showing great commitment and great skill as you participate in our pastoral projects for the universal Church, and in our initiatives for the whole world, that the family of God may be strengthened and the world become more harmonious".
Benedict XVI concludes by expressing his happiness at the recollection "of the joyful beginning of your priesthood", and assures Cardinal Bertone "of our feelings of respect and of our congratulations", while imploring, "by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians and of St. John Bosco, ... abundant rewards from the Divine Master".
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