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ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
TO THE STAFF
OF THE PONTIFICAL VILLAS AND THE APOSTOLIC PALACE

Papal Summer Residence, Castel Gandolfo
Monday, 29 September 2008

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

At the moment when I am about to take my leave of you at the end of my summer stay at Castel Gandolfo, I feel a pressing need to renew to you my gratitude for the diligent daily service you carry out here, at the Pontifical Villas.

I am grateful in the first place to the director, Dr Saverio Petrillo, for his courteous words and for having interpreted, as he does every year, the common sentiments of all. Strolling in the avenues of the Villas I have had an opportunity to appreciate the attention you pay to your work. Likewise, I feel the need to thank the personnel who take such good care of the Apostolic Palace.

I realize that my presence often makes extra work for you and this entails many sacrifices, for you personally and for your families. I warmly thank you for your generosity and I ask the Lord to reward you for everything. May he assist you with his grace and accompany with his fatherly love you and your relatives, to whom I ask you to convey my cordial greeting.

Today we are celebrating the feast of the holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael; I entrust you to their special protection so that you may carry out your various activities with calm and spiritual benefit. May the Blessed Virgin always watch over you and your loved ones. As I assure you of my remembrance in prayer, I bless you all with affection.

 

© Copyright 2008 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana



Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana