Dear Brothers and Sisters,

My summer stay at Castel Gandolfo is almost concluded, and I am pleased to receive you at this meeting which offers me the possibility to express my cordial gratitude for the work that you diligently accomplish.

I greet the Director General of the Pontifical Villas, Dr Saverio Petrillo, grateful for the courteous words he has addressed to me. With him I greet the other officials and all the staff.

Before returning to the Vatican, I heartily thank you, because also with each one's contribution, I was able to spend a serene and relaxing period of rest. I take very good memories with me, and this will certainly be for me a "Vatican II".

I would like at the same time to address a greeting to your families, who have kindly wanted to accompany you, together with the children, forming such a large family.

I ask God, the Source of every good, to bless you and your families. May God himself be your support in every moment, may you always resort to his help and never tire of offering him, every day of your life, a consistent witness of faithfulness.

I assure you of my prayers, invoking upon you and your loved ones the protection of St Pio of Pietrelcina, whose memorial is today.

May love for the Eucharist and for the Cross, and the spirit of docility to the Church, which inspired his entire human life, stimulate you to live always more united to Christ.

And now, wishing you every desired good, I cordially impart to all of you here present and to the persons who are dear to you a special Apostolic Blessing.

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