Habemus Papam - First Anniversary
Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate. After two years of terrible scandal, the Church has had a good year, and what a blessing our new Holy Father has been. He sets an example for us all of how to faithfully proclaim what the Church teaches and professes with love and charity. He teaches us that the way Christ calls us to live is a gift, not a burden. It is the evil of modern relatvism that is the real burden we must struggle against.
On a personal level, I love Pope Benedict's preaching and writing style. The clarity of his approach to theology, liturgy, and morality speaks to me and has helped me deepen my faith. And it's not just me: he seems to connect to the faithful in a way that addresses the needs of the Church in our current age. He has broken attendance records with his appearances and liturgies in this first year or his pontificate.
Sunday was the Pope's 79th birthday. I pray that he continues in good health, enjoys a long and successful pontificate.