Holy Father recalls summer travels, honors confessor of St. Faustina

Sep 29, 2008 / 08:01 am

Following the praying of the Angelus on Sunday, Benedict XVI reflected on the events of the summer months and expressed joy at the beatification of the confessor of St. Faustina Kowalska.

After announcing that he will conclude his time at the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo by returning to the Vatican, the Holy Father gave thanks to the Lord, "for all the gifts He has given me during this time," particularly, he gave thanks for: "World Youth Day in Sydney, of the period of rest I spent in Bressanone, of the visit to Sardinia and of the apostolic trip to Paris and Lourdes."

He continued, "I am also thinking of the chance I have had to stay in this house where I am able to relax and work during the hottest months. I send a particular greeting to the community of Castelgandolfo with a heartfelt thank-you to the bishop, the mayor and the forces of law and order."

The Holy Father then turned to address the Polish pilgrims, particularly to those gathered in the city of Bialystok, Poland for the beatification of Servant of God Michael Sopocko, who served as the confessor and spiritual father of St. Faustina Kowalska.

It was at Fr. Sopocko’s suggestion, the Pontiff continued, that St. Faustina "described her mystical experiences and the apparitions of Merciful Jesus in her famous 'Diary.' Thanks also to his efforts, the image of 'Jesus, in You I trust' was painted and made known throughout the world."
 
Fr. Sopocko was "a zealous pastor, educator and propagator of the cult of Divine Mercy," said the Pope, going on to note that "in the house of the Father my beloved predecessor John Paul II will rejoice at his beatification. He it was who entrusted the world to Divine Mercy and hence I repeat his words: 'May God rich in Mercy bless you all’!"