September 13, 2010. Benedict XVI asked Catholics of the whole world not to abandon him during his difficult trip to the United Kingdom.
Benedict XVI
“I ask you all to accompany me with your prayers during this trip. My heartfelt thanks to you all.”
The Pope will leave this Thursday, 16 September, and visit Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. He is due to return to Castelgandolfo on Sunday 19th.
During the Angelus prayer at his summer residence, the Pope remarked on the beatification of a Capuchin friar, Fray Leopoldo de Alpandeire, in Granada, Spain. His example, the Pope said, may help everyone to serve God with a sincere heart.
Benedict XVI
“The life of this simple and austere Capuchin religious is a hymn to humility and to trust in God, as well as a shining example of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
Fray Leopoldo de Alpandeire was born in Spain in 1864. He became a Capuchin friar at the age of 35. From that moment he dedicated his life to asking alms for his convent, the missions and the poor of Granada. In exchange he always gave three Hail Marys. He died in 1956.
During the Angelus, the Pope also reflected upon the subject of God-s mercy, on the basis of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Benedict XVI
“Jesus speaks to us of the joy in Heaven when a sinner returns to the House of the Father. May His words encourage us always to trust in the merciful love of God, and in His forgiveness”.
The Pope also greeted a group of bishops and other participants who have come from all over the world for an ecumenical gathering organised by the Focolari movement.
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