VATICAN - Benedict XVI prays the Angelus in Romano Canavese: “Providence always helps those who do good and dedicate themselves to justice; it helps those who do not think only of themselves but of those who are worse off.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, July 19, the Holy Father Benedict XVI left Les Combes (Introd), in Valle d'Aosta, where he was spending a brief time of rest, and traveled to Romano Canavese (Diocese of Ivrea), the hometown of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. In the square in front of the Parish of Saints Peter and Solutore, the Pope led the recitation of the Angelus. In introducing the Marian prayer, the Pope recalled the motive of his visit and thanked all those who had shown him their affection, closeness, and prayer in the accident that led to the fracture of his right wrist and the application of a cast.
“I have come with great joy to your beautiful city, to your beautiful church, the native city of my chief colleague, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, with whom I had already worked for many years in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As you see, because of my accident, I am a bit limited in my movements, but my heart is fully present, and I am here with you with great joy! At this moment I would like to say thank you with my whole heart to everyone: many have shown me, at this time, their closeness, their warmth, their affection and have prayed for me, and in this way they have reinforced the network of prayer that unites us in every part of the world.” The Pontiff especially thanked the Parish Pastor, the priests, religious, leaders of Church movements and associations, and all the citizens, “with a special thought for the children, the young people, the families, the sick, the persons in need.”
Taking up the Scripture readings of the day, the XVI Sunday in Ordinary Time, in which “the Lord invites the disciples to come away to listen to him in a more intimate setting,” Benedict XVI highlighted that “precisely listening to and welcoming the Gospel” is what has brought life to the community of Romano Canavese, “whose name recalls the relationship of two millennia that the Canavese have with Rome.” This land was bathed in the blood of martyrs at an early date. Among them was St. Solutore. The people here are known for their love and attachment to work. “Presently, however, I know that here too, in Ivrea, many families are experiencing a difficult economic situation because of the scarcity of jobs. In regard to this problem -- as his Excellency also recalled -- I have spoken many times and I wanted to treat it more deeply in my recent encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate.' I hope that it will be able to mobilize forces to renew the world!”
The Pope then exhorted them not to lose hope: “Dear friends, do not be discouraged! Providence always helps those who do good and dedicate themselves to justice; it helps those who do not think only of themselves but of those who are worse off. And you know this well, because your grandparents had to emigrate because there was a lack of work, but then economic development brought well-being and others immigrated here from [other parts of] Italy and from foreign countries. The fundamental values of the family and respect for human life, sensibility for social justice, the capacity to endure toil and sacrifice, the strong link to Christian faith through parish life and especially through participation at Holy Mass, have been your strength over the centuries. These same values will permit today's generations to build their future with hope, giving life to a true solidarity and a fraternal society, in which all the various spheres, institutions and economy are permeated by an evangelical spirit.”
The Holy Father then addressed the youth in particular, “who must think about education,” evaluating what kinds of culture, what examples and models are offered to them: “Youth is full of resources, but it must be helped to overcome the temptation of easy and illusory ways, to find the road of true and abundant life.” Lastly, he offered some words on the many masculine and feminine vocations who have filled this land, especially in the Salesian Order, to whom this Diocese owes so much: “May this be a further encouragement to your diocesan community to commit itself more and more to the field of education and vocational accompaniment.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/7/2009)