VOA标准英语2008年-Pope Blesses Sick During Lourdes, France Mass
时间：2019-01-07 作者：英语课 分类：VOA标准英语2008年（九月）
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated 1 an open-air Mass on Monday for the sick at the shrine 2 of Lourdes in southwest France. He urged the sick, whom he blessed during the service, to remember that dignity never abandons the sick person. Sabina Castelfranco has this report for VOA from Paris.
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a special mass for the sick in front of the Basilica of the Rosary, in Lourdes, southwestern France, 15 Sep 2008
Rows of pilgrims in wheelchairs were at the front of a large crowd that turned out for Pope Benedict's outdoor mass at the shrine of Lourdes. Some waved flags to greet the pontiff on his final day in France.
During the mass, the pope blessed the sick. Millions travel to Lourdes every year hoping for a miracle cure from the spring water there, which is believed to have healing powers. The Catholic Church has recognized dozens of healings linked to the shrine at Lourdes.
For each individual, Benedict said during his homily, suffering is always something alien. It can never be tamed. Unfortunately we know, the pope added, that the endurance of suffering can upset life's most stable equilibrium 3. He said it can shake the firmest foundations of confidence and sometimes even leads people to despair of the meaning and value of life.
And he called on those who suffer to turn to Mary to fight against sickness.
The pontiff urged all those who suffer and those who struggle and are tempted 4 to turn their backs on life to turn towards Mary. Within the smile of the Virgin 5, he said, lies mysteriously hidden the strength to fight against sickness, in support of life.
The pope told those gathered that dignity never abandons the sick person.
The pope came to Lourdes to mark the 150th anniversary of Saint Bernadette's visions of the Virgin Mary. He has spent four days in France including a visit to Paris.
- He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
- The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。
- The shrine was an object of pilgrimage.这处圣地是人们朝圣的目的地。
- They bowed down before the shrine.他们在神龛前鞠躬示敬。
- Change in the world around us disturbs our inner equilibrium.我们周围世界的变化扰乱了我们内心的平静。
- This is best expressed in the form of an equilibrium constant.这最好用平衡常数的形式来表示。
- I was sorely tempted to complain, but I didn't. 我极想发牢骚，但还是没开口。
- I was tempted by the dessert menu. 甜食菜单馋得我垂涎欲滴。