August 10, 2011. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI spoke of just how important it is to have inner silence to listen to God. The comments were made during the general audience in Castel Gandolfo, which was held in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. There the pope explained why monasteries are in remote areas and close to nature.


Benedict XVI
"These places combine two very important elements of the contemplative life: the beauty of creation that speaks to her Creator, And the silence guaranteed by being away from cities and media.”

To highlight this point of inner silence,  the Pope made reference to St. Clara of Assisi, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, known as Edith Stein, patroness of Europe and St. Lorenzo.

Benedict XVI
"If we see it from a spiritual perspective, these  places are like pilars in the world. It's no wonder that many people, especially in periods of calmness, visit these places and stay a few days. Even the soul, thank God, has its demands."

Several youth groups attended the general audience, as they get ready to head to World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid.  

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