Pope Benedict and the Disabled

Relevant to Michael S.'s recent posts on recognizing our own vulnerabilites, I find it striking that Pope Benedict's first stop on his pilgramage to the Holy Land was to Regina Pacis, a home in Amman, Jordan, for mentally- and physically disabled youth.  According to Zenit's report:

The center was founded in 2004 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and offers not only medical attention but also formation and education to disabled youth, both Christian and Muslim.

Bishop Selim Sayegh, Latin patriarchal vicar of Jordan and the center's founder, together with the youth, the nursing staff and volunteers, the Comboni religious women who run the center, and retired Patriarch Michel Sabbah welcomed the Holy Father to the site. His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal offered words of welcome.

Zenit's report continues:

Benedict XVI offered a reflection on the mystery of suffering as he spoke with the disabled youngsters and their caregivers.

"At times it is difficult to find a reason for what appears only as an obstacle to be overcome or even as pain -- physical or emotional -- to be endured," he said. "Yet faith and understanding help us to see a horizon beyond our own selves in order to imagine life as God does. God's unconditional love, which gives life to every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life."

The Holy Father confided that being with the youth was a blessing for him personally: "I wish to say that standing in your midst I draw strength from God."

"Your experience of trials, your witness to compassion, and your determination to overcome the obstacles you encounter, encourage me in the belief that suffering can bring about change for the good," he said. "In our own trials, and standing alongside others in their struggles, we glimpse the essence of our humanity, we become, as it were, more human.

One of Pope Benedict's stops during his visit to the United States was also with children with disabilities and their caregivers.  What a powerful witness, to make time for celebrating with most vulnerable and powerless, between visits to presidents and kings across the globe!