The Pope Benedict XVI, met with representatives from the areas of culture, art, and economics in the Basilica of St. Mary of Health in Venice at May 8th.

The Holy Father offered a few reflections based on three words that he called "suggestive metaphors". They are "three words tied to Venice and, in particular, to the place in which we meet: the first is 'water'; the second is 'health'; and the third is 'Serenissima'" ("Most Serene", a title referring to the Venetian Republic).

Commenting on the fact that Venice is a "city of water", Benedict XVI offered this proposal: "Venice, not a 'liquid' city but a city 'of life and beauty'. ... This means choosing between a 'liquid' city, birthplace of a culture that seems ever more relative and ephemeral, and a city that constantly renews its beauty, drawing upon the beneficial sources of art, knowledge, and the relationships between persons and between peoples".

Click here to read the entire address.

© Photo Copyright Steve Walesch, alla rights reserved

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites