I have a special affinity for Pope Benedict XVI. He was elected a month before I was ordained to the priesthood, and I was delighted to receive a papal blessing bearing his photograph on the occasion of my ordination. I was in Rome on Church business on Benedict’s last day as the Holy Father. Along with some of our seminarians, I attended his last public audience in Vatican Square and later stood on the Via Conciliazione and watched as a helicopter transported him from the papal apartments to his new quarters where he began his life of retreat and prayer as the first Pope Emeritus in 600 years.
I offer some of my favorite Pope Benedict XVI quotes: His words on eternal life, his message to young people about God’s loving presence, his acknowledgement that music is a universal language, and his Advent speech on the importance of God revealing Himself in history – as a baby.
Eternal life will be like “immersing yourself in the ocean of infinite love where time — a before and an after — no longer exists. Fullness of life and joy: This is what we hope for and expect from our being with Christ.” —Angelus address Nov. 2, 2008
Know that God will never abandon you. Turn your eyes to him often. He gave his life for you on the cross because he loves you. Contemplation of this great love brings a hope and joy to our hearts that nothing can destroy. Christians can never be sad, for they have met Christ, who gave his life for them. —World Youth Day message 2012
I hope that the harmony of song and music, which knows no social or religious barriers, represents a constant invitation to believers and all people of goodwill to look together for the universal language of love that enables people to build a world based on justice and solidarity, hope and peace. —Remarks to German orchestra and choirs, Oct. 20, 2005
If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be ‘devout’ and to perform my ‘religious duties,’ then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely ‘proper,’ but loveless. Only my readiness to encounter my neighbor and to show him love makes me sensitive to God as well. Only if I serve my neighbor can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me. —Encyclical Deus Caritas Est, 2005
The Lord God did not counter the threats of history with external power, as we human beings would expect according to the prospects of our world. His weapon is goodness. He revealed himself as a child, born in a stable. This is precisely how he counters with his power, completely different from the destructive powers of violence. In this very way he saves us. In this very way he shows us what saves. —Speech, Dec. 22, 2005
Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayer of your people for your servant, Benedict, who governed your Church with love. In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care to the reward you have promised your faithful servants.
Welcome to the Saint Aloysius! Our parish was founded in 1896 to serve the Catholic families that were settling in the greater New Canaan area.