March 29, 2009 - Speaking at a parish on the outskirts of Rome, Pope Benedict said that amidst suffering, God is still present.


He spoke to the parish on a rainy Sunday, and used the weather as a metaphor to explain how God was still present even during difficult moments.

Benedict XVI
Unfortunately it's raining but the sun is coming out. Perhaps it is a sign of this pre-Easter time, where we feel the pain of the Lord and all the problems of our world today, each in its own way. But we also know that the sun, though often hidden, is still there, and, that God is near, and it helps us.

The Pope went on to tell churchgoers to keep the faith during the Easter season.

Benedict XVI
In this sense we want to go to Easter now knowing that our lives belong to the sufferings and difficulties, but also knowing that the sun is behind the goodness of God.

He also spoke to a group of children of the parish who were preparing to receive first communion.

Benedict XVI
Be ready and, guided by his Spirit, follow the plan He has for you. Be prepared to seriously build united families faithful to the Gospel, and to be his witnesses in society. If he calls you, be prepared to devote your whole life to his service in the Church.

Benedict asked the churchgoers to remember John Paul II on the upcoming fourth anniversary of his death next month.

RSS