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1st January 2023
Dear Fathers, Deacons, and dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Warmest greetings on the first day of the New Year and the Feast of Mary the Mother of God.
In recent days, Pope Francis had begun to prepare the world for the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI who died yesterday, 31 December 2022, in Vatican City. After a long and faithful life, he was accompanied by the prayers of millions of people into the eternal promise of God’s love. May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.
There will be much commentary in the days ahead upon the leadership and legacy of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI – Joseph Ratzinger. Many will reflect upon his intellect, academic achievements, theological capacity, his gift with languages and music, his leadership and influence as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith over two decades, his election as Pope in 2005 following the death of Saint Pope John Paul II, and the courageous decision he took to resign the Papal office in 2013. In all these ways and more besides, he was a man of deep faith who had clearly formed a deep personal relationship with Jesus of Nazareth. It was the call of God in Jesus Christ which captured young Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger and whom he entrusted his life, priesthood, episcopacy and papacy. His many writings reflections, books, homilies and encyclicals will remain an enduring gift to the Church and will remind us that above all Deus Caritas Est – God is Love.
On a personal note, in the late 1990’s I studied in Rome. During that period, I met Cardinal Ratzinger on a few occasions. I was seconded to work in the Vatican during the Synod on Oceania (1998), it was at that time I met the Cardinal for the first time. Having heard of his reputation, I was surprised to meet such a humble, quietly spoken and shy man. He also visited Collegio San Carlo Borromeo where I resided in Rome. He would join us for dinner and celebrate the Eucharist. His homilies reflected his deep love of the Word of God and were delivered with prayerful almost monastic simplicity. In the dining room he was a gracious guest who preferred to take his seat among the community rather than a seat of honour: He was, as he described himself, a simple humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.
You will find attached the Media Release from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and other resources concerning liturgical guidance on the Death of a Pope (Roman Missal pg 1465-1467) for your assistance.
Appreciating the particular time of the year, I ask you to arrange the celebration of a Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Benedict XVI which is suitable for your parish/es.
We entrust the year ahead to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
With every peace,
Bishop Greg Bennet
Bishop of Sale
Media Release from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
