ON February 28, Pope Benedict XVI will abdicate his position as Bishop of Rome and Successor of St. Peter. At the end of his eight-year tenure at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church, he has given ample proof, that in spite of vicious attacks, hostile pulls and pressures from powerful forces in the modern world, he has remained steadfast in defending the Faith and being faithful to the mandate given to St. Peter: “Feed my lambs….. Feed my sheep.” Through his profound theological writings and discerning liturgical reforms, he has nourished the flock entrusted to him with the Bread of the ‘Word of God’ and the ‘Bread of the Eucharist’. By giving the Church ‘The Year of Priests’ and ‘The Year of Faith’, he has again fulfilled the command that the Lord gave to Peter at the Last Supper: “Strengthen your Brethren” in the faith.
His extraordinary courage in speaking the unadulterated truth, his spirit of faith and deep humility are qualities which have endeared him to many silent millions across the globe. Despite much negative criticism, he has stood “firm as a rock”, faithful to his Divine Master, and proved himself a true shepherd, defending his flock from the fierce attacks of a host of misguided foes.  As they look back on his pontificate, the People of God will surely remember him with deep gratitude for his sterling example of humble and selfless service in faith, to the very end of his powers-which will surely guide the Church towards the New Evangelisation in the years to come.