Pope Benedict points to new saints for encouragement and joy

Vatican City, Apr 26, 2009 / 08:56 am

On Sunday at around noon, following the proclamation of five new saints in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI told the crowds in the square that he hopes the examples of the new saints will help everyone run towards “the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

At 10 a.m., Pope Benedict celebrated a Mass at which he canonized four Italians (two men and two women) and one Portuguese religious brother.

Before praying the Regina Coeli, the Pope greeted all those who came to render homage to the saints, acknowledging the presence of the delegation from the Italian government and one from the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The Holy Father said that he hopes the canonizations, in this Pauline Year, will help all to run with more joy toward “the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

He also spoke about the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. This day marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of its founder Father Agostino Gemelli. Benedict XVI expressed his desire that the university be always faithful to its roots and that it continue to offer a valid formation for future generations of youth.

The Pontiff addressed the following words to English-speaking pilgrims: “I greet the English-speaking pilgrims who are here with us today, especially those who have traveled to Rome to be present at the canonization of today’s new saints. Through their intercession, may all of you be filled with joy in the Risen Lord, and bear witness to him courageously in your daily lives. I invoke God’s abundant blessings upon all of you, and upon your families and loved ones at home.”