Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI. God gave us a happy memory for this day!
It was kind of strange seeing him in papal vestments for the first time. John Paul II was the only pope I could remember, after all. For my generation and those after me, the death of John Paul II and election of Joseph Ratzinger in 2005 is the first time we witnessed the passing of the keys from one pope to another. It took awhile to get used to seeing a different man in white. But as these events unfolded, I believe I came to love the faith more. Of course the media pointed out the usual litany of whines from unhappy Catholics and declared that this was the time to change everything the Church teaches about sex, birth control, abortion, Jesus, the sacraments, women priests, etc. But His Holiness continues to defend the integrity of the Church's teachings on these and other matters.
When Jesus established Peter as the rock on which He would build His Church, he gave us a promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against Her. I pray that Pope Benedict will have many more years with us, and that more people will come to love the Truth.
Image Source: National Geographic
From his Urbi et Orbi:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble labourer in the vineyard of the Lord.
The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.
Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help. The Lord will help us and Mary, his Most Holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you.
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