A related story with pictures taken at the concert:
It was a God thing -- adventures in faith on the way to concert for Pope Benedict, his brother
Posted on 02/26/2014 11:39:49 AM PST by CedarDave
Pope Benedict XVI is somewhat a forgotten man these days. The pope emeritus, who shocked the world when he resigned last spring, is usually referenced now only in stories about his successor, Pope Francis, who’s become the darling of the press, especially in the West.
But in the cloistered Vatican City, Pope Benedict is still very much revered and respected. I know this because I was privileged enough to be invited to perform in a private concert there Wednesday, January 15th, in honor of Benedict’s brother’s 90th Birthday.
The elderly brothers share a passion for their Catholic faith and music. Msgr Georg Ratzinger, also a priest, is a retired Kapelmeister (Choir Master) in Germany.
Dressed in papal white cassock and coat and brown shoes, Benedict, who appears less frail than before his retirement, was accompanied by his longtime aide, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein.
The concert took place at Vatican Radio headquarters, which sits atop the highest location at the Vatican surrounded by the gardens. On the last curve before the summit is the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is a pensive place for reflection and prayer. Tourists cannot see this part of the Vatican.
The concert was organized by German journalist Michael Hesemann, who is a close friend of Msgr. Ratzinger. Hesemann and I met more than a year ago in Rome at a reception for an International music festival. He gave me his most recent book "My Brother the Pope," who he co-authored with Msgr. Ratzinger. I gave him my CD of solo piano music called "Classic Beauty." We corresponded frequently. He invited me to Regensburg last year for the monsignor’s 89th birthday. There was talk then of organizing a 90th birthday concert in Regensburg, where the monsignor still lives.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
A related story with pictures taken at the concert:
It was a God thing -- adventures in faith on the way to concert for Pope Benedict, his brother
Nice story, thanks.
In before the anti-Catholic and anti-Huckabee posts.
~chortle~
The elder Ratzinger has a reputation as a Bach scholar... So this must have been nice for him on that nasis as well...
I recommend the book “My Brother - The Pope.” Nice quick read that tells you a lot about Benedict. I’m glad he’s happy and healthy. Wonderful scholar. His 3 Jesus of Nazareth books are amazing.
Yup, let the countdown begin!
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