http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=309023 (12 Aug 09 - RV) At the end of the Wednesday audience this week, Pope Benedict expressed his "spiritual closeness" to "many people in recent days that have been affected by the violent typhoon in the Philippines, Taiwan, in some provinces of south-eastern China and in Japan, a country, - he noted – that has also been tested by a strong earthquake”. Morakot damaged or destroyed more than 10,000 homes and flooded over 1 million acres (400,000 hectares) of cropland, and economic losses have been estimated at 9.7 billion yuan ($1.4 billion). Rescuers are working around the clock to pull survivors from the mud submerged villages. The worst affected are is the southern provinces of Taiwan where over 2 metres rainfall has had catastrophic consequences. “I call on everyone to pray for them and for those who lost their lives – said Pope Benedict Wednesday - I hope that the relief of solidarity and the help of material aid will not be lacking”. Speaking earlier to those present in the inner courtyard of the Papal Summer Palace, Pope Benedict reflected on the deep relationship, between the Virgin Mary and the priesthood, as he looked forward to the Solemnity of the Assumption, in this Year for Priests: “My catechesis today is centred on Mary the Mother of priests. She looks upon them with special affection as her sons. Indeed, their mission is similar to hers; priests are called to bring forth Christ’s saving love into the world. On the cross, Jesus invites all believers, especially his closest disciples, to love and venerate Mary as their mother. Let us pray that all priests will make a special place for the Blessed Virgin in their lives, and seek her assistance daily as they bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus”. “The Curé d'Ars, who we think of this year especially - concluded Pope Benedict - loved to repeat that after Jesus Christ gave us everything he could give, he wanted to make us heirs of what was most precious to him, his holy mother”. And with a greeting of "happy holidays", "enjoy the day, enjoy the sun, enjoy a good rest", the Pope took his leave of those present. -- http://www.wretch.cc/blog/zzx1966 --

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