In Rome I was priveleged to speak to about 300 seminiarians and priests at the Legionaries' University and spent the day with my wife Janet touring the university, eating and meeting some very wonderful people. We are planning to teach a semester on Apologetics at this seminary in Rome in 2007.
Then we met with Fr. Charlie Brown at the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. He used to report to Cardinal Ratzinger before the papal election. It was a nice time sharing and updating. We discussed the tremendous sacrifice of our current pope who prefers quiet privacy and writing. I realized just how much he is now a “captive“ for the rest of his life — never again able to walk his favorites streets, eat at his favorite restaurants, or just relax and write. It is his cross and we must appreciate him and pray for him.
We had Mass at St. Peters after going to confession there adn saw the Pope at the Sunday Angelus at noon (see picture). I will reflect his blessing to you!
It is nice to be home to see the family again and to rest on Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for.