The entire community of Idente Missionaries expresses its sincere condolences on the passing to the Father’s House of our beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI last December 31.
In the letter sent to Pope Francis, our President, Father Luis Casasús, states:
“Benedict XVI was a true pastor for the whole Church and for all of us, who used his many talents in an exemplary way in his difficult and heroic mission. We cannot forget how he welcomed us by elevating our institution to an institute of consecrated life of pontifical right.”
On April 24, 2005, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square, Benedict XVI described himself as a “simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord,” and indeed he gave his all for Christ and His Church until the last moment when he exclaimed “Lord, I love you”: a sign that at the center of his life and pontificate was only one person, Christ.
As an institution, we are especially grateful to him because it was Benedict XVI, who on July 11, 2009, the 50th anniversary of our foundation, elevated our community to an Institute of Consecrated Life of Pontifical Right. During the Angelus on June 28, 2009, he addressed these words to us:
“I greet with special affection the members of the Idente Missionary Institute who have come to Rome to give thanks to God for the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their foundation. I invite you all to strengthen your faith and hope by remaining in constant contact with Christ in prayer, to bring to the whole world the testimony of your love for God.” (Benedict XVI)
Thank you, Benedict XVI, for your love for God, for the Church and for all humanity. We thank you for your life and intelligence, which you have put at the service of Christ with exemplary humility.
