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Message of Pope Benedict XVI
On
learning of the death of Father Marie-Dominique Philippe – the
founder of the Family of St John – the Holy Father requested
the Cardinal Secretary of State to send in his name the following
message of condolences to Father Jean-Pierre-Marie, Prior General
of the Congregation of St John : « Father Jean-Pierre-Marie Having been informed of the death of Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, Pope Benedict XVI unites himself in prayer to all those who mourn his passing, in particular to those close to the deceased and to the entire Family of Saint John, of which he was the founder. The Holy Father asks the Lord to welcome into His Kingdom him who for so many years guided and formed numerous people at the school of Christ, in the spirit of the “beloved disciple,” rooting them in a profound love for the Church and in fidelity to the Successor of Peter. His Holiness gives thanks for the life of Father Marie-Dominique – a life entirely given to the Lord and to his brothers, a life rooted in meditation on the Word of God, in the search for the truth and in ardent contemplation of the truth. May his witness give to all those whom he guided the necessary élan so that the Gospel of Christ may be ever proclaimed, welcomed and lived! Entrusting you and all the members of the Family of Saint John, as well as all those who take part in the funeral rites of Father Marie-Dominique, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, to Saint John and to Saint Dominique, the Holy Father imparts to all, as a pledge of consolation, a special Apostolic Blessing. Cardinal Angelo Sodano |
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