April 25, 2005 - Election of Benedict XVI
Dear Friends in Christ’s Divine Mercy,
I apologize for not writing sooner, but I was giving a retreat last
week in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania and could not write sooner.
It was a beautiful retreat and my focus was on the Eucharist.
I am, of course, delighted with the selection of Benedict XVI as
our Holy Father. I mentioned to people on the retreat that even though
at that time I did not know who would be selected that I already loved
him and pledged him my total obedience and affection. Comments such
as “he has big shoes to fill” and he has a “tough
act to follow” are not my sentiments at all. Of course we love
John Paul II and still mourn his passing, but our love and affection
for Benedict in no way detracts from our love for John Paul II. We
will forever love John Paul the Great! No one can take away the love
we have for him. At the same time the urgent life and work of saving
souls continues in the Church and our Holy Father needs to be able
to count on our love, prayers and support. In fact, I am sure that
John Paul II would like nothing better than to have us wholeheartedly
embrace his friend and close collaborator as he assumes the Petrine
office. We must remember that Benedict XVI is not the successor to
John Paul II, but to Peter. He does not have to earn my respect, obedience
or affection; he already has it. As Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict XVI
was a courageous defender of the faith and in his ministry as Holy
Father I expect that he will continue to implement much of the program
and initiatives of John Paul II with a firm hand and a shepherd’s
heart.
He asks for our prayers and I know that you join me in praying for
him with fervor every day. How blessed we are to have such a grace
filled man as our leader. May God bless him with many healthy years
of service to us as the Successor to Peter and the Vicar of Christ
on earth. May Our Lady protect him with her Mantle and intercede on
his behalf for all the graces he will need.
God bless,
Rev. Richard F. Clancy
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