"Our devotion helps us to speak and act in persona Christi, to teach, govern and sanctify the faithful in the name of Jesus, to bring his reconciliation, his healing and his love to all his beloved brothers and sisters. This radical configuration to Christ, the Good Shepherd, lies at the heart of our pastoral ministry, and if we open ourselves through prayer to the power of the Spirit, he will give us the gifts we need to carry out our daunting task, so that we need never "be anxious how to speak or what to say” (Mt 10:19)."

- Pope Benedict, addressing the American Bishops, April 16, 2008

(CNS Photo/Nancy Wiechec)

More Links:

• Meeting with Catholic Educators
• Responses of Pope Benedict to the questions posed by the American Bishops
• Celebration of Vespers and meeting with the Bishops of the United States of America
• Homily during the celebration of Holy Mass at the Washington Nationals Stadium
• Vatican web page for the 2008 Apostolic Journey to the United States