By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
During his general audience today, the Pope asked the faithful to accompany his trip to Spain this weekend with their prayers.
According to the Catholic News Agency (CNA), Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela on Nov. 6-7 and is asking Catholics around the world to pray for the success of the trip.
“I invite you to accompany me with your fervent prayer next weekend,” he said during his general audience today.
The Pope said he will be “joining pilgrims that arrive at the feet of the Apostle in this Holy Year” when he participates in the final stop in the “Way of St. James” pilgrimage route in Santiago de Compostela on Saturday. The day will culminate with a Mass celebrated in the square outside the city’s cathedral where an estimated 200,000 people are expected to participate.
On Sunday, he will travel to Barcelona where he will dedicate the church of the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family).
CNA reports that the Holy Father will raise the church to the status of basilica during this visit and is expected to speak about the profound meaning that can be found in the details of the church. The cause for beatification of the church’s architect, Antonio Gaudi, is currently underway.
The Pope explained the underlying motive of his trip to the two significant Spanish destinations, saying, “I am going as a witness of the Risen Christ, with the desire of carrying to all his Word, in which can be found light to live with dignity and hope to build a better world.”
© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace® http://www.womenofgrace.com
