Adieu, Pope Benedict, Our Holy Father

Adieu, Holy Father. Godspeed as you enter your new life of prayer for the Church, for the world, for all of us. You have marked the seasons of our lives...Advent and our winter watch to Christmas...Lent and our spring watch to Easter...Pentecost and our summer happiness. You have spoken to us in times of sorrow, joy, anguish. Your soft voice has reassured us that you, our loving grandfather and Vicar of Christ, would not leave us alone in this difficult world. We are grateful that you have during these past few days allowed us to tell you how much we have come to love and depend on you and your presence in our lives. Tonight we would be orphans except that we know you are with us today and forever. Please be well and happy...and at peace. Pax tecum.