My dear brothers and sisters.

Since the very earliest days of the Church, Christians have always addressed one another as "brothers and sisters". We are not all of same family in terms of flesh and blood, but we are all members of a single family that is united by one Lord, one faith, and one God and Father. I extend this term to include you all as you read my words now, whether you are a Christian and a member of the Catholic Church or of other churches or congregations; or perhaps someone who has a different religious faith; or who considers that you do not need a faith to live your life; or who seeks the answer to the big questions about our existence; or simply someone who does not think very much about the subject at all.

Firts, let me introduce myself. I am the bishop of the Church here in Girona, and I wish to open up to you the doors and the interior of this church that has been a constant presence in this place for many centuries. It is a locality that you have chosen to stay in so as to seek time to rest, to enjoy yourself, to discover new things, to enjoy the beauty of nature and of our local monuments and architecture in a word, for a holiday. Allow me to congratulate you on your choice.

The natural world will surround you and will take you to its bosom. Sea and sun, mountains and forests, heat and gentle breezes, are all an invitation to discover and to give thanks for de message of love sent to us by God our Creator. This message demands of us a commitment to respect Nature, so that we and all men and women may enjoy its bounties.

Some of the churches that you will visit and admire provide eloquent testomony to the physical embodiment of the Christian faith in works of admirable beauty. Their admiration and comprehension may help you to feel more naturally the beauty of the Christian message. The search for beauty is ultimately the search for God. Have a thought also, however, for the living stones: the faithful, who aver the centuries have believed, celebrated and passed on the Good News of Salvation. We living stones of the Church wish to greet you, keen to offer you a place for reflection, prayer, silence and -if you a Catholic- your very own place of celebration.

You will be accompanied by others: those who make up your family, your group of friends, but also those whom you will meet and who are at your service to help you to benefit from the time you spend here. I would like to invite you and encourage you not to forget their presence. You have the opportunity to take advantage of this period of rest and serenity to "rediscover" your life and that of those who accompany you in a different light.  This is a new oportunity to renew your vision and understanding of your own life and that of those who follow the same path as yourself, and to see it as a magnificent gift, which we must value and give thanks for, reaffirming our intention to love and serve those around us. Thinking, then, of all those who are at your service during this time, assist them and be grateful to them for their efforts. You arrive here with your burden of tiredness, routine and disappointments, and maybe even of heartbreak and sadness. You will be able to return home with your life renewed, full of fresh strength, optimism and enthusiasm to carry on along your chosen path. I certainly wish and pray that this will be the case.

Have a good holiday !

With all my affection and my blessing.

Francesc, bishop of Girona