(ANS – Rome) – As soon as Benedict XVI reached Castelgandolfo yesterday evening, the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chavez Villanueva, prepared a message to the Congregation and the Salesian Family. Here below the full text.

My dear brothers and sisters, members of the entire Salesian Family, Friends of Don Bosco

Today the See of Peter is vacant due to Pope Benedict XVI's resignation from exercising the Petrine Ministry entrusted to him eight years ago.

We, Don Bosco's Family throughout the world, are deeply grateful for the courageous act of service carried out by our beloved Holy Father, and we accompany him sincerely in sympathy and with devotion, as he himself has asked us to do, through our constant prayer.

Pope Benedict XVI, who has offered many gestures of kindness and affection for our Family, has been a true gift of God to his Church and the world today. In his farewell address he said he had never felt alone, not even at times when it seemed as if God was asleep. We want to re-assure him that he will never be alone, because his splendid magisterium and his imposing figure will remain in our hearts. History will reveal his great humanity, intellectual vigour, his deep spiritual life, his total love for Christ and his magnificent service to the Church and the world.

God's Church has not been left orphaned. The Lord Jesus, her Head, and the Spirit of God, the Paraclete, constantly presides over her and guides her. 

I ask you to join me in heartfelt prayer, along with Mary who shared her life and prayer with the Apostles, while we wait in trust and serenity for God to give us a new Pastor according to his heart. 

Let the conversion to which the Word of God calls us during Lent be our best way of imploring this grace.

With affection and promise of a memento at Mass

Rome, 28 February 2013

Fr Pascual Chávez V., SDB
Rector Major

Published 28/02/2013