Pope Benedict XVI Blog

St. Rabanus reminds us to give time to God, Pope teaches

Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican City, Jun 3, 2009 / 10:22 am (CNA).- At today's general audience, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the life of St. Rabanus Maurus, whom the Holy Father said speaks to us today by reminding Christians to set aside time for God, whether at work or on vacation.

Pope Benedict began his catechesis by recalling the early life of St. Rabanus for the more than 17,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square.

Born in Mainz, Germany around 780, Rabanus became an oblate of the abbey of Fulda at a young age. “This precocious introduction to the Benedictine world and the fruits he reaped from it,” observed the Pope, “give us an interesting glimpse at the life of the monks and the Church as well as the society of that time, described as Carolingian.”
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» 06/03/2009 12:57
VATICAN

Pope: at work and on vacation save some time for God

At the general audience Benedict XVI traces the life and legacy of Rabanus Maurus, an “extraordinary figure” from the High Middle Ages, and so called “praeceptor Germaniae”. He teaches that “those who do not dedicate space in their lives to the Lord, deny themselves God’s light and allow their thoughts to be taken over by earthly things”.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – At work, “with its pressing rhythm” and on vacation, we must “reserve” a moment for God, opening up to Him “with a thought, a meditation, a small prayer, and “not forget the Lord’s Day”, which is “the day of liturgy, of sacred music, so we can perceive the beauty of the Church of God and allow it enter our beings: only in this way can our life become true and great life”.

That was Benedict XVI’s call to 25 thousand people present at his general audience, during which he traced the life and legacy of an “extraordinary figure” from the High Middle Ages, Saint Rabanus Maurus, one of the protagonists of Carolingian culture. Born in Mainz, Germany around 780, Rabanus entered monastic life at a young age as an oblate, in the abbey of Fulda. “This precocious introduction to the Benedictine world and the fruits he reaped from it – observed the Pope – give us an interesting glimpse at the life of the monks and the Church as well as the society of that time, described as Carolingian. His “extraordinary culture brought him quickly to the notice of the great men of his time, he was an advisor to the princes”. As the Abbot of Fulda and then as Archbishop of Mainz, “he studied ceaselessly, showing us that you can be available to others without denying yourself of time for study and meditation”. “He knew how to maintain the bond with the culture of the ancient wise men”, “keeping theological and spiritual culture alive”, so much so he was called Praeceptor Germaniae. He is the author of “De laudibus sanctae Crucis” and among his many writings there is also perhaps “one of the most beautiful hymns; Veni creator Spiritus”.
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See also from VIS, "Rabanus Maurus: Exegete, Philosopher, Poet and Pastor."

And from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Benedict XVI: Rabanus Maurus was a 'multimedia' exegete

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:13 AM