Photopost: Capuchins welcome Pope Benedict to Loreto

Most folks probably didn't know this, but Pope Benedict visited a local Loreto shrine and the Capuchin Friars while he was there. CWNews reported on it:

During his weekend visit to Loreto, Italy, on September 1-2, Pope Benedict XVI made a private visit to the famous Holy House there.

On Saturday evening, after a meeting with young people in the town's Montorso section, the Holy Father made a visit to the shrine to pray in silence .... He also gave his blessing to the local Capuchin friars and cloistered nuns at the site.

"May the Holy House truly be the center and heart of your city," the Pope said. He reminded the local officials of "the great privilege you have of living in the shadow of the Holy House."

In his prayer at the renowned shrine, the Pope appealed to Christ to "show us, we ask of you, your ever-new face, the mysterious mirror of God's inexhaustible mercy." He asked the Virgin Mary to "help us have innocent hands and a pure heart" with which to serv God.

Happily, a Capuchin Fransiscan Friar let me know about the webpage of the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor that contains some rare (and beautiful) photos taken during the Pope's recent visit.

(click for full-size versions)

The same website also has a news post covering the Pope's visit. Some excerpts:

At 9:15 p.m., Benedict XVI entered the Basilica, welcomed by the Rector, Br. Marzio Calletti, OFMCap and his Delegate S.E. Monsignor Gianni Danzi who accompanied him to the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Mary, the Virgin of Nazareth. Here the Holy Father prayed in silence at first, then through a televised linkup, to the prayer vigil of the young people. Before he left the Basilica, the Pope met with the Capuchin Friars, guardians of the House of Mary since around 1559.

... After receiving the greetings of the Minister General, Br. Mauro Jöhri (who on this day also celebrated his 60th birthday – and may the Virgin of Loreto sustain his ministry) who was accompanied by the Minister of the province of the Marches, Br. Gianni Pioli, the Pope, in an outdoor program, wished to speak with the friars who had gathered in the German Chapel. He thanked them for their presence and for their dedication to the sacramental ministry of Reconciliation and the welcoming of pilgrims. He then added that he knew well the “Capuchin Fathers” because from the time of his infancy he listened and learned when, very frequently, they were present in his parish for preaching and the sacramental life.

What a wonderful little jem. You can even hear an audio file of the Pope's words to the community. If that isn't technology put to good use I don't know what is!