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	Vatican Asks People to Pray That Pope's Visit Be a Time of Spiritual Renewal Malta Independent April 11, 2010 http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104430 A message from Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone issued by the Vatican said that Pope Benedict XVI has asked people to pray that his visit, on Saturday and Sunday, will be a time of spiritual renewal for the Church in Malta and Gozo. "His Holiness, the Successor of Peter, comes among you to strengthen you in your commitment to follow Jesus Christ," it said. Malta has remained staunchly faithful to Christ over many centuries, and has done much to defend the faith, both at home and abroad. "You can be proud of your Christian heritage, proud of the many generations of Maltese Catholics who have lived their faith with exemplary devotion, and proud of the apostolic fervour with which countless men and women from your islands have engaged in missionary work, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to distant shores. The Holy Father knows how much you are attached to your great heritage, and he invites you to deepen this attachment as a living reality and as a truth that is always relevant, notwithstanding the fact that, in today's society, this carries the risk of being opposed, ignored or forgotten. In this year, when the universal Church is celebrating a Year for Priests, he urges you in particular to value the great gift of the priesthood and to support and pray for your priests, so that they may grow in gratitude to God, and in fidelity and enthusiasm for the ministry. He commends them and he commends all of you to the intercession of an outstanding Maltese priest, Saint Ġorġ Preca, to whom, in a special way, he entrusts his forthcoming visit. With these sentiments, His Holiness cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all the people of Malta and Gozo, as a pledge of joy and peace in the Risen Lord." "Il-Mulej ibierek lill-poplu kollu ta' Malta u ta' Għawdex," it said in conclusion. Pastoral letter from Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech "It has always been our firm conviction that the shipwreck that washed the apostle Paul ashore on our islands did not happen merely by coincidence. In much the same way, today, we feel that it is indeed providential that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has chosen to make this pastoral visit to our country," the bishop's said in a pastoral letter on the occasion of the Pope's visit. The Bishops asked the people to think where they stand at present with regard to their faith and what the fruits of the Gospel teachings they received so many years ago and which has shaped our identity and traditions, are. The bishops are in no doubt that if the people open up their hearts to embrace this occasion, it could be for them a moment of grace that will serve to encourage and strengthen their faith. "We are convinced that the Pope will raise many questions about Christ and his message also through his spirituality. We encourage everyone – not only those who are walking in the path of faith, but also those who feel burdened by the doubts of faith – to heed the Pope's message. We are not to be fearful of the challenges he will present us with; rather we should continue to seek and to raise questions regarding Christ's message. "Despite the tragedy of the shipwreck, the Maltese people welcomed Paul, supported him in his time of need and loved him. Today the Church – and most especially, the Pope, is also in troubled waters. There are those who are trying to silence his prophetic voice. We feel that, like our forefathers, we are being called on to show our love for the Pope and ally ourselves with him. In this respect, during the forthcoming weekend, we invite the people of Malta and Gozo to warmly welcome the Pope, who will be visiting us in the name of the Lord. We encourage you to participate in all the meetings that are being organised to celebrate the two days during which His Holiness will be among us," they said.
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