Benedict XVI in Czech Republic: “We need credible Christians”

(Article Source: Rome Reports) September 28, 2009 - Czech Republic - On the final day of his trip to the Czech Republic, Benedict XVI visited the tomb of Saint Wencenslaus the patron saint of the country.

The tomb sits at Stara Boleslav Cathedral about 35 kilometers from Prague. Saint Wencenslaus Was a Bohemian King and died as a martyr in the year 935.

After visiting his crypt, the Pope greeted a group of priests who are ill.

Then, he left in the famous Popemobile to an area where he celebrated the most significant ceremony of the trip: a feast in the name of the nations patron saint.

Forty thousand pilgrims were in attendance. Many of the faces in the crowd were young and staked out overnight to attend the ceremony.

During mass, Benedict XVI reminded all Catholics that they too can be saints in their own personal lives.

Benedicto XVI
“Today there is a need for believers with credibility, who are ready to spread in every area of society the Christian principles and ideals by which their action is inspired”

The Pope explained that it is not enough to appear like a good and honest person. He said you need to BE a good and honest person to be like a saint.

During the ceremony some teenagers gave the Pope an album with photos of the types of activities they carry out at their parish and a donation to Africa.

In response, the Pope encouraged them to take their Christian faith seriously.

Benedict XVI
“The Pope asks you to live your faith with joy and enthusiasm; to grow in unity among yourselves and with Christ; to pray and to be diligent in frequenting the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession; to take seriously your Christian formation.”

Among the teens, the Pope recalled last years World Youth Day in Sydney and called on them to attend the summit which will take place in Madrid in 2011.

MC/JMB