MESSAGE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE,
CARD. TARCISIO BERTONE,
ON BEHALF OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
ON THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATION OF
THE NEW ARCHDIOCESAN SEMINARY
"SAN CARLOS Y SAN AMBROSIO" IN HAVANA, CUBA

Vatican, 17 October 2010

On the occasion of the opening of the new Archdiocesan Seminary San Carlos y San Ambrosio, His Holiness Benedict XVI cordially greets the Pastors and faithful, as well as the formators and seminarians gathered together on this happy occasion. He prays to God that this solemn act be at the same time a sign and a stimulus to renew the vigour of our commitment to keep close watch over the human, spiritual and academic preparation of those in this institution pursuing the path toward priestly ministry. At the same time, the Pope invites them to identify daily and ever more closely with the sentiments of Christ, the Good Shepherd, through regular prayer, serious application to study, humble listening to the Divine Word, a worthy celebration of the Sacraments and a courageous testimony of their love as authentic disciples and missionaries of the Gospel of Salvation.

With these ardent good wishes, the Holy Father, while entrusting the whole community of this educational institution to the protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, who under the title of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre is invoked and loved by the Cuban nation, imparts to you his heartfelt Special Apostolic Blessing, which he willingly extends to all those who have generously contributed to the construction of this new building and to those present at the inaugural celebration.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State of His Holiness