The following was posted August 2 on Catholic World News.
Pope Benedict XVI has completed the 3rd and final volume of his work, Jesus of Nazareth, the Vatican has disclosed.
The Pope’s latest book, which focuses on the Gospel accounts of Christ’s infancy, was apparently completed while the Pontiff was vacationing at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Pope Benedict has regularly used his vacation time for writing projects, and there are rumors that he is now working on an encyclical to introduce the Year of Faith that starts in October.
The 3rd volume of Jesus of Nazareth is now being translated from the German of the original manuscript into several other languages. A publication date will be announced once the first translations are complete. Vatican officials cautioned that the process of translation will be painstaking.
The 1st volume of Jesus of Nazareth, covering the period of Christ’s life from the Baptism through the Transfiguration, appeared in 2007. The 2nd volume, with the subtitle Holy Week, covering the events from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, was published early in 2011.
Shortly after his election as Roman Pontiff, Benedict XVI indicated that he did not plan to continue the prolific pace of writing that he had previously maintained. His trilogy on the life of Jesus is the only book project he has written as Pope.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I always feel so shamed at the time I waste and the years I’ve let go by when I read of the incredible feats this energetic and saintly man carries out despite a grueling schedule that would tire a man half his age. I suppose it’s got to help to have the prayers of a billion people going up to Heaven for you, but he’s truly amazing, as are all of the popes when you read about them. His books are so well done and interesting too…not just dry scholarly tomes.
With the weight of the existence of the entire Church on his shoulders his total faith never seems to falter with the antics of his clergy, politicians and laity. When I see the various coverages of Catholic TV at his appearances all over the world, I see peace in his eyes in spite of the attacks from every known source. He is truly a role model of faith. How he has managed to even remain civil to so many, I cannot fathom.
Thank you Pope Benedict XVI for these beautiful writings that help to bring many hearts and souls closer to Jesus. The Good Shepherd is always working to feed his sheep!
I agree Catherine : )
the holy father is really a hard worker, even on vacaation.
when i go on vacation, the only thing i write are some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s…
BIZARRE STUFF FROM DOWN UNDER:
Archbishop Denis Hart of the Archdiocese of Melbourne said today that Melbourne’s The Age newspaper was holding Catholicism up for ridicule in an article published in The Age this morning.
The article ‘Every flock needs a shepherd’ (The Age, 6/8), reports that at a Mass conducted by a group called Inclusive Catholics, the Blessed Sacrament was given to a dog.
The Archbishop said “that anyone would feed the Eucharist to a dog is an abomination.”
Writing to the Editor of The Age today, the Archbishop said “Your article ‘Every flock needs a shepherd’ is in bad faith. It is the most fundamental and defining belief of Catholics that what you call ‘the consecrated bread and wine’ is the body and blood of Jesus Christ.”
(now, who was that person from australia saying we californiaNs were so darned weird…?)
The Holy Father, Benedict the 16th is my hero. He is truely filled with the Holy Spirit. I have read both volumes of Jesus of Nazareth and look forward to reading the last. I support him in my mass and prayers daily.