Saturday, October 11, 2008

Pope Benedict will not visit Mexico in 2009

The 'Precious Gift: handle with Care' policy, noted by Confiteor and myself, is apparently firmly in place. A Vatican statement by Cardinal Antonelli was reported Thursday in 'New Hope Courier', Oklahoma City. The Cardinal said that the Pope is in good health, but Mexico City 'is too high above sea level for someone of his age.'

Whilst I sympathise with the Mexicans, I confess to relief that this caution is being exercised. As it is, the Holy Father's physical schedule this year has been enough to punish a man 15 years his junior. The actual journeys would be enough, never mind everything he had to do when he reached his destinations. America, Australia, France - all within the space of 6 months, not to mention the diplomatic, mental, and spiritual demands of these visits. And yet, at the first Angelus I saw on TV after his return from France he looked relaxed, refreshed and younger than before he boarded the plane for Paris! I can't be alone in suspecting the Source of this phenomenon. And we were actually allowed to see It at work in Lourdes.

We must continue to pray to that same Source, that if it is His will, He will continue to invest all our Holy Father's faculties with the strength and health he needs, to do for the Church, whatever is in the Mind of the Most Holy Trinity during this his Pontificate. Pope Benedict has asked for our prayers and said that they are important, essential even. It is clearly our loving duty to fulfil his request..

In Christo pro Papa

2 comments:

Dymphna said...

That's good. We have to rememer the Holy Father's age and delicate (long before he became pope)health.

Jane said...

Dymphna,

Yes, it's the memory of that which is always in my mind. Thank you for your comment. I do hope you'll consider a contribution to the next Spiritual Bouquet - special prayers for his health and strength?

God bless and do please visit again,

In Christo pro Papa,

Jane