Resignation of Benedict Xvi

RESIGNATION OF BENEDICT XVI

To all the brothers and sisters of the Secular Franciscan Order and of the Franciscan Youth

February 11, 2013

Today, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we learned of the resignation of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, from the Chair of Peter and from the Papacy.

I am sure that this news has shaken us and touched us, not only for the fact in itself, so important for the whole Church, but also for the special relationship that the members of the Presidency of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order have had with the Holy Father, even if it was not well known.

At this time, we must thank God for giving us, as successor of Peter, "a humble servant in the vineyard of the Lord," with a faith, a wisdom and a humility so special and so well combined.

If we think about it, everyone will certainly remember how often, in his weekly catechesis, he referred to the writings of Francis and Clare of Assisi, and to the witness of their lives. It was clearly evident how close he was to the Franciscan charism. His mother and his sister were both members of the Third Order of St. Francis (TOF) and he himself asked to join a Fraternity in Germany as well, which still conserves this document in its archives, even if his Profession or his Promise of evangelical life are not recorded.

We also owe to the Holy Father a deep sense of gratitude for his vigorous confirmation of the unity of our Order, brought to a conclusion during the years of his pontificate.

Today, we are aware of his courage, his sense of responsibility and deep intimacy with the Lord. We must pay particular attention to his wisdom and humility as well as to his inner freedom, to make a decision of this importance that will impact on the future of the Church. All of this can be understood only through his immense love for God and for his Church and the utmost respect for the Ministry of Peter.

Let us learn from the spirituality of the Holy Father, from his refined consciousness, from his honesty without limits. Let us unite in prayer for Benedict XVI. May the Lord give him peace with his decision and in his life, and may the Virgin Mary, as Mother, be his comfort and strength.

Let us be united in love for the Church of God, with the same sense of faithfulness held by our Seraphic Father St. Francis, so that we may have a new Successor of Peter, who will guide His boat in the open sea, offshore ("Duc in Altum"), in the stormy and complex sea of today’s world.

Encarnación del Pozo Minister General OFS