Election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as
Pope Benedict XVI

A Message from Bishop Stephen Blaire to the Catholic
People in the Diocese of Stockton
(To be read at all the Masses on the weekend of April 23-24, 2005.)

April 21, 2005

Dearest Friends,

We rejoice in the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI. He is a deeply spiritual man, a profound theologian and a devoted servant of the Church. His whole life has been one of commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Living Tradition of the Church. In his first message to the Cardinals he reaffirmed his devotion to truth and love.

Each time I have met with him over my years as a Bishop I have found him to be most gracious, a good listener and very easy to dialogue with on the great issues of pastoral concern.

This Monday night, April 25, in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, at 7 pm we will celebrate a Diocesan Mass in gratitude to God for his election and ask God to bless him abundantly in the exercise of the Petrine Ministry.

All are welcome. In particular I wish to invite the Priests in the Diocese, the Deacons and their Spouses, the Religious, and the Lay Leaders from our parishes to attend. I strongly encourage the members of our parish pastoral and finance councils to be present since I will be speaking about the pastoral direction of our Diocese as we stand in communion with the Bishop of Rome and under him as the Vicar of Christ for the Universal Church.

May the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI be fruitful for the Church and the world. May the Holy Sprit guide him, grant him wisdom, and sustain him with strength and courage.

With every good wish and blessing, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire
Bishop of Stockton

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Last Update February 28, 2007