St. Paul as a Model for Priests

In his words at today's midday Angelus prayer, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the Year of St. Paul, which is drawing to a close, and the Year of Priests, which began a week ago.  The Pauline Year will end this evening when the Pope presides over the first vespers of the feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.  The Holy Father called the past year "a time of grace".  He proposed St. Paul as a model for priests "in his love for Christ, in his zeal to announce the Gospel, in his dedication to the community, in his elaboration of effective syntheses of pastoral theology."

Zenit has a full translation of the Holy Father's words.  Benedetto XVI Forum also has a translation and photos.  The original Italian text with greetings in several languages can be found at the Vatican Press Office's Daily Bulletin.  Asia News has an article.