Chair of Peter

On February 22, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. This feast calls to mind those who have followed Saint Peter, who was the first pope. We thank God for those men who have been called to fulfill this ministry in the Church and in the world. To be the Vicar of Christ, the Successor of Saint Peter is a tremendous calling and that is why the process to elect the pope is guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is always at work in the Church. As we celebrate this feast today, we cannot help but think about our present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who will retire in six days. This is something new for the Church since it has been 600 years since the last pope resigned. Most of the articles that I have read recently focus on Pope Benedict's humility. It is very humbling to say that I do not have the strength to continue in this ministry and I will leave the office on this particular date and at this particular time. Other commentators have focused on the fact that we receive these ministries for a time and a season. Whether we are here or not, the Spirit guides the Church and will raise up ministers to continue the work that has already begun. It is not about us, but what God is doing in the Church and in the lives of His people. We thank God for the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI and the eight years he served as the Bishop of Rome and our universal Pastor. May God bless him in his retirement. May God bless the College of Cardinals as they prepare to enter into Conclave and elect the next Supreme Pontiff who will be the Successor of Saint Peter! May God Bless Us!!!