World News
Pope Benedict's 'unwavering fidelity' celebrated at Mass in Washington
Published: March 4, 2013
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- During the presentation of the gifts at a Feb. 28 Mass celebrating Pope Benedict XVI's ministry, the choir's hymn had an ambrosial quality as members sang: "Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam" -- "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." The Mass of thanksgiving for the ministry of Pope Benedict and for the election of his successor pope -- brought together people from all walks of life to remember one papacy and to pray for the next in the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Students, elementary age to college age, were also in attendance for the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and broadcast live by the Eternal Word Television Network. "Pope Benedict XVI has demonstrated an unwavering fidelity to seeking and preaching lasting truth. ... We give thanks for the immense gifts of this 'worker in the vineyard of the Lord,'" said the archbishop. "Pope Benedict completes his Petrine ministry, exiting not through the traditional door of death," he continued, "but voluntarily surrendering his office, because he perceived that his strength, energy, and health no longer would allow him to fulfill the challenges of that ministry adequately."
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