What
would become of the Church without the contemplative life? What would become of
the weaker members of the Church who find in you a support to continue the
journey? What would happen to the Church and the world without the beacons that
signal the port to those who are lost on the high seas, without the torches
that illuminate the dark night we are going through, without the sentinels
announcing the new day when it is still night? Thank you, sisters and
contemplative brothers because you offer all this for the world: support for
the weak, beacons, torches and sentinels. Thank you for enriching us with so
many fruits of holiness, mercy and grace.”
With the whole Church, I also pray that the Lord may ‘be ever
present and active in your heart and transform you entirely in Him, the
ultimate aim of the contemplative life, and may your communities or fraternities
become true schools of contemplation and prayer. The world and the Church need
you. … This should be your prophetic witness.’
May the Virgin Mary, model of contemplation, teach you to
constantly seek the face of God and to remain faithful to your mission of being
the praying heart of the Church. I impart my Apostolic Blessing to you with
affection and ask you, please, to pray for me.
Piermatteo d'Amelia (about 1450 - 1508), The Annunciation, about 148, tempera on panel, 102.4 x 114.8 cm. Gardiner Museum.
Piermatteo d'Amelia (about 1450 - 1508), The Annunciation, about 148, tempera on panel, 102.4 x 114.8 cm. Gardiner Museum.