After a history of 600 years 0ur Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has resigned as the successor of Saint Peter and Bishop of Rome. I am sure that all of us hate to see him go and sentiments of deep gratitude and our prayers will follow him in his years of retirement. He will soon be 86 years of age and the years have begun to show: macular degeneration one eye, a pacemaker for his heart and difficulty in walking.   He has been an example total dedication to the Church and a shining example of deep personal faith in Jesus. The Catholic Church has reached the greatest number of members it is ever had: 1.1 billion people.  We pray for our next Holy Father that the words of Christ take on special meaning in our day.   “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.”  May God bless him.

Father Castaldi