Vatican City, Sep 6, 2004 / 22:00 pm
This morning at Castel Gandolfo, Pope John Paul II said to pilgrims from the archdiocese of Barcelona that Blessed Pere Tarres i Claret, whom he beatified on Sunday, “continues to be an example for doctors.”
"The life of the new blessed," said the Holy Father in Catalan to the 600 pilgrims headed by Cardinal Ricardo Maria Carles, "full of deep devotion to the Mother of God, was centered on Jesus, to Whom he gave himself completely as an apostle of youth, especially in the Federation of Young Christians of Catalonia and in Catholic Action."
The Pope said that "Pere Tarres continues to be an example for doctors because he loved his patients as people, helping them to get well or to bear the pain. In addition, as a man with an undivided heart and a tireless commitment to the faithful and to the different apostolates entrusted to him, he is also a role model for priests today."
"Blessed Tarres never lost his love of sacrifice," he concluded, "and, as a result, was a shining example for all those who consecrate their life, even in the midst of many difficulties, to the cause of the Kingdom of God through generous service to their brothers and sisters in need."