Pope Benedict to Venerate Relics of Pope Celestine V Who Resigned /Was Later Imprisoned by Successor

http://www.zenit.org/rssenglish-29620

"The Holy See Press Office on June 16 announced the schedule for Pope Benedict’s July 4 pastoral visit to Sulmona, a small central Italian city with 25,000 residents. Following an outdoor Mass and recitation of the Angelus, the Pontiff will address local youth and venerate the relics of two saints in the crypt of the city’s cathedral."

"St. Pamphilus, whose feast day in the current (2004) Roman Martyrology is April 28, died around the year 700 and was bishop of the nearby city of Corfinio."

"St. Peter Celestine (Celestine V), whose feast day is May 19, gained a reputation for sanctity as a hermit and was elected Pope in 1294 after a two-year conclave. He resigned five months later and was imprisoned by his successor, Pope Boniface VIII after spending several months wandering in the forest avoiding arrest. "

Some people believe that Pope Benedict should resign because of the role he played in the global sexual abuse scandal. One wonders if this visit to venerate the relics of Celestine V, a resigned pope, will be a source of inspiration during these challenging times in his papacy. It appears that Benedict has a sense of solidarity with Celestine since he declared a major celebration for the 800th birthday of this resigned pope. Bridget Mary Meehan