As new Pope in a seemingly chaotic and confused age we live in today, Benedict XVI hopes that Church may contribute significantly in attaining reconciliation and harmony between peoples of different creed, ideology, race and economic status.

The name Benedict also brings to mind extraordinary figure of great reformer of Europe, St. Benedict. This remarkable man, through Benedictine Order which he founded, exercised an enormous influence on spread of Christianity throughout European continent.

Pope Benedict XVI is appealing to St. Benedict to help present-day Church make Christ's teachings occupy central position in hearts of all Christians. The Pope is well aware that to solve enormous problems Church is facing today, he would need tenacity and gutsiness of Benedict XV and charm and influence of St. Benedict.

I hear sound of an abundance of rain The joy of a new birth is worth labor pain The Lord has said there are times and seasons For everything under heaven, he has his reasons

Thank you Lord for your goodness to me The light at end of tunnel I can see Those heavy burdens and trials will be in my past You said for only a season they would last

Copyright 2005 Irvin L. Rozier