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I extend a cordial greeting to you and your families.
In this month I have come to realize how precious is your work. It mainly concerns the logistical preparation of the audiences and the celebrations in the Vatican Basilica, in St. Peter’s Square, in the Paul VI Audience Hall, in the Apostolic Palace and in the other Papal Basilicas. The organization of the environments for the various meetings of the Pope with the pilgrims, as wells as the various activities of the Holy See, is an indispensable work, to obtain welcoming places and functional instruments,
Your activity, which also include the ordinary maintenance of the Vatican accommodations, it is challenging and requires a spirit of sacrifice and a lot of patience. I think of, for example, the operation to set up every week the thousands of chairs for the pilgrims who come to the General Audience; as well as working in your various workshops. I thank you with all my heart for the care, the professionalism and the disposition in which you carry out your work. I encourage you to persevere in faithfulness to your duties and to maintain among yourselves a climate of serenity, of reciprocal trust and kindness. This style of life and work will return in benefit to the entire working community of the Vatican.
With these hopes, I invoke upon you and on your families the protection of Saint Joseph the Worker and with affection I impart upon you my blessing.
[Translation by Junno Arocho Esteves]
