Catholic World News News Feature
World needs "culture of Pentecost," Pope tells audience September 28, 2005
Pope Benedict XVI prayed for the spread of "the culture of Pentecost, so needed in our time," during his weekly public audience on September 28.
Speaking to about 30,000 people in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father also asked for prayers for the Synod of Bishops, which opens in Rome this coming Sunday, and paid tribute to Pope John Paul I, who died exactly 27 years ago, just 33 days after his election to the papacy.
Toward the end of his remarks, the Pope welcomed the members of the audience who were attending an international conference in Lucca, Italy, on the "signs of the Spirit in the 20th century." The Pontiff remarked that despite the "sad pages of history" in the past century, there was also "marvelous testimony of spiritual and charismatic awakening."
Pope Benedict continued his weekly catechetical talks on the psalms, with a meditation on Psalm 134, which he characterized as a "liturgical hymn," which carries "a broad and impassioned call to praise the Lord." The psalmist extols God's greatness, as it is made manifest in the world. The Pope added: "It is the taks of liturgy to make the divine gifts ever present and effective, especially in the great Paschal celebration which lies at the root of all other rites."
The Holy Father concluded his meditation by recommending the prayer of St. Clement, the 1st-century Pope: "O Lord, bring your face to shine upon us for goodness in peace. ... Bring harmony and peace to us and to all inhabitants of the earth." The Wednesday audience marked the Pope's return to the Vatican after his summer stay at Castel Gandolfo. At the conclusion of his public appearance, Pope Benedict returned to the papal apartment in the apostolic palace, which had been thoroughly renovated during his absence.
