“To become aware of the value of faith and, thus, of the beauty and goodness that have derived from it in the history of mankind”: this is the invitation that Card. Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, addressed to the faithful of the parish of Introd, Aosta Valley, during the mass he celebrated this evening at the invitation of parish priest Fr. Ugo Reggiani, on the Feast of St. Eusebius of Vercelli, patron saint of the pastoral region. Well-known for its site of Les Combes, where John Paul II spent his holidays for 10 times, and which was also visited by Benedict XVI, the municipality of Introd keeps fond memories of Pope Wojtyla. In his homily before a large group of parishioners and tourists, Card. Bertone reflected on the figure of bishop Eusebius, who was “bishop of the world. He proclaimed the Gospel everywhere with all possible means”; he “did not stay at home; he faced difficult journeys, danger, incomprehension and persecution by his enemies to bring Christ’s Gospel and salvation everywhere”. The cardinal then linked Eusebius’ apostolic mission with today’s need for a “new evangelization”, which – he said – we have to promote “among our people, just as the first disciples promoted it among the pagans of their time”. In this work – he added – the contribution of “each of us is truly indispensable to ensure the effective proclamation of faith”. (continued)

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