Denver Catholic

ALL THINGS SENIOR I B5 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Caring across generations BY JULIE FILBY When Pope Benedict re- signed last year on Feb. 11, Catholics were unsure what the future would hold for the un- precedented retiree. One year later the former pontiff, who vowed to live "hidden from the world," is continuing to serve the Church behind the scenes though a quiet life of prayer and by demonstrating allegiance to his successor. "I think it's exactly how he said it would be," said David Ueb- bing, chancellor for the Denver Archdiocese. "People were skep- tical: thinking it would be too problematic to have two popes at the Vatican; that Benedict would exercise undue infl uence on Pope Francis, but that's just not his style at all. "He hasn't interfered with Pope Francis' job," he contin- ued. "But he's there to offer ad- vice and he calls Pope Francis all the time." The 86-year-old former pon- tiff, the fi rst to retire in 600 years, is living out his retirement in a restored monastery, Mater Ecclesiae, former home to the cloistered nuns of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, just west of St. Peter's Basilica. Ueb- bing, who was living in Rome when the pontiff resigned, serv- ing as editor of the Rome bureau of Catholic News Agency, visited Mater Ecclesiae while it was be- ing renovated after the sisters moved out in late 2012. "It's a simple building; real- ly serene and quiet," he said of the 4,300-square-foot L-shaped structure that sits at the highest point of Vatican City and con- tains a chapel, choir room, small library, terrace and visiting room. "He can go on walks; it's nice and secluded, and there are a number of gardens and foun- tains throughout that he could walk through." From this peaceful setting, Pope Emeritus Benedict spends his days praying, studying, read- ing, handling correspondence, listening to music and accept- ing visitors. On one occasion during the last year, he met with a group of seminarians studying in Rome to talk with them about the priesthood and theology. "He's doing things like that 'in the background'" Uebbing said. "He's giving what he can even though his energy is fl agging and he's got the typical health issues an 86-year-old would have." Archbishop Georg Ganswein, who continues to serves as Benedict XVI's personal secre- tary and resides with him at the monastery, while serving as pre- fect of the pontifi cal household for Pope Francis, recently talked about the former pontiff's retire- ment and health. "(Pope Benedict) is well but certainly he is a person who carries the weight of his years," Archbishop Ganswein said in an interview with Reuters. "So, he is a man who is physically old but his spirit is very vivacious and very clear." The two spend time together daily. "We take walks praying the rosary," he said. "He often plays the piano." The archbishop joins the re- tired pope for lunch in the after- noon, as well as for dinner and to watch the evening news. "Pope Benedict is at peace with himself," he said. "And I think he is even at peace with the Lord." One day following the selec- tion of Pope Francis last March 13, Uebbing was near a guard station in the courtyard near Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis lives, when a delivery of fl owers arrived for Benedict XVI. "It was just a great remind- er that people still cared about Pope Benedict," he said. "He still had people coming to visit him, people who still love him." Julie Filby: 303-715-3123; julie. fi lby@archden.org; www.twitter. com/DCRegisterJulie Our 10 acre campus offers seniors beautiful gardens, walkways, fine dining, friendly people and so much more! Independent Full Service Apartments - Starting at $1,745* 5000 W. 75th Avenue Westminster, CO 80030 303-429-8857 Assisted Living Apartments - Starting at $2,995* 7425 Xavier Street Westminster, CO 80030 303-426-9090 No costly or confusing levels of care! www.SanMarinoRetirement.com *(Prices Subject to Change) Life for a retired pope is peaceful, not hidden POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI A typical day for this retiree • Mass, then breviary • Breakfast • Prayer, study, correspon- dence and guests • Lunch at 1:30 p.m. • Nap • Correspondence and listening to music until 4 p.m. • Recite rosary while walking in garden • Dinner at 7:30 p.m. • Watch evening news at 8.p.m. MULLEN Home for the Aged operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor for nearly 100 years, recent- ly started a monthly Hospitality Club. Through the club, women 13 and over are invited to adopt a senior citizen living at the home by engaging in activities, sharing meals and spending time together. Pictured here, resident John Gillin and a Hospitality Club member enjoy making valentines together Feb. 8. The next gathering will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at Mullen Home at 3629 W. 29th Ave. To sign up or for more information, contact Sister Joseph Marie at 303-594-7420 or vcdenver@littlesistersofthepoor.org, or visit www.littlesistersofthepoordenver.org. Post-Surgical, Short-Term Rehab ManorCare Health Services - Denver 290 S. Monaco Parkway Denver, CO 80224 303.355.2525 www.manorcare.com I chose A P R O V E N L E A D E R PHOTO PROVIDED

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