As Catholics in Ontario, Canada celebrate Catholic Education Week from May 4-9, 2014, Pope Francis sends his blessing and commends students and teachers to the intercession of Mary, Seat of Divine Wisdom.

His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins
Archbishop of Toronto
President of the Assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Ontario

His Holiness Pope Francis sends warm greetings to you, your brothers Bishops, the priests, staff and students as you celebrate the Eucharist simultaneously across the province during Catholic Education week. He assures you of his spiritual closeness in this great act of praise and worship of God. In light of the theme that you have chosen, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27), the Holy Father prays that you will keep your hearts and minds focused on Jesus Christ, thereby imitating his zeal and joy in the service of others. He especially encourages you, staff and the students alike, to embrace prayerfully the wonder and beauty of the Gospel, so as to be constantly renewed by the grace of Christ’s presence. Indeed, it is by remaining close to him that you will make a unique and important contribution to society, offering men and women Jesus Christ as the answer of their deepest yearning for meaning. Commending you to the intercession of Mary, Seat of Divine Wisdom, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of confidence and peace in the Lord.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State