Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On Thursday, February 7, the Holy Father Benedict XVI held a meeting in the Hall of Blessings, with the pastors and clergy from the Diocese of Rome in their traditional visit at the start of Lent. The meeting was held as a colloquium with the Holy Father and the participants. We offer here some of the Pope’s commentaries on the various themes discussed.
Liturgy and participation
One great difficulty is the liturgies attended by masses of people... For me, I have to admit, it continues to be a problem, because the real communion in the celebration is fundamental and therefore, it does not seem to me that we have found the final answer yet. As well, in the Synod, I brought up this topic, but no reply has been found. I also asked another question regarding concelebrating in large groups, because if, for example, a Mass is concelebrated by a thousand priests, how can we guarantee that the original structure that the Lord intended is preserved? In any case, they remain questions. Thus, we have been presented with the difficulty in participating in a Mass in which not all the participants can participate in the same way. A certain style should be chosen, in order to conserve this dignity that is always necessary in the Eucharistic Celebration. Participation certainly varies and it is not the same for all. For some, it is definitely not sufficient... However, I also believe that if one is aware that it is the Eucharist, although one may not have the possibility of participating exteriorly as he may so desire in order to feel an active participant, he can enter into his heart, and hear, as the ancient exclamation of the Church, which was itself directed towards those who sat in the back of the church, says, “Lift up your hearts!” Thus, we can all come out of ourselves in order to be with the Lord and with each other. As I have said, I do not deny that there is a problem, but if we truly follow this phrase, “Lift up your hearts!”, in spite of difficult situations...we will be able to find in our hearts that true active participation.”
Obedience and Freedom
“It is certainly one of the primary missions for the new pastoral ministry norms given in the Second Vatican Council...that each of us discover that I can only save my soul, surrendering it, as the Lord told us in today’s Gospel; in freeing me from myself, coming out of myself, just as God the Son came out of Himself in order to save us. We enter into this movement together with the Son, trying to come out of ourselves because we know where to go. We do not fall into emptiness, but rather, we abandon ourselves through our gift of self to the Lord, coming out and placing ourselves at his disposition, because He counts on us. In placing myself in His hands, I am free. But it is a giant leap that is never entirely completed...Only in going with the Lord, abandoning ourselves in communion with the Church, opening myself, not living only for myself and seeking a happy earthly life or personal well-being, but instead, becoming an instrument of peace, will I live well and learn to be courageous in the daily challenges that are always new and more intense, and oftentimes almost impossible to overcome.”
Ethical Formation
“The question should always be asked: What is essential? What should we debate? And here is where I always repeat: God is what is essential. If we do not speak of God, if we do not bring others to the discovery of God, we will always remain in secondary things. Therefore, I find it of the utmost importance that at least these types of questions arise: Does God exist? How could I live without God? Is God really something important to me? I have always been amazed that in Vatican I, they wanted to take up this same dialogue, understand God with reason...this can be a meeting point: learn and make others understand the importance of a rational ethic for human co-existence. Later, if this is lived well, the person can open themselves interiorly to the question of God, the responsibility before God... Therefore, I believe that on the one hand, we should ourselves have a clear understanding of what is the essential that we desire and transmit it to others, and on the other, know what are the first steps we can take; certainly, in today’s world, a basic ethical formation is a fundamental step...I would say that we should have an interaction in ethics formation, that is today so important, however without omitting the question of God. Joining these two paths, I think perhaps we will be able to open ourselves to the God who is the only one who can give light.”
Schools
“I believe it is also important that the Church be presented in the school, because an education that is not at the same time an education with God and with the presence of God, that does not transmit the great ethical values in the light of Christ, is not an education. It is not enough to offer a professional formation without a formation of the heart. And the heart cannot be formed without at least the opportunity for the presence of God...May we work to make the Word of God present in the schools - where there are families of believers, as well as very unfortunately family situations. This mandate from the Lord - to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples - is not something that changes with time, or according to the continent; it is an interior mandate in that it enters into the diverse situations and dimensions of a society, to give at least a glimmer of light on the Gospel. May we truly announce the Gospel to all. I think that it is also today a matter of cultural formation...to learn about the Christian faith that has formed this continent and that is a light to all continents.”
Dialogue
“...this coming together in dialogue, in respectful co-existence, respecting one another, accepting one another, just as we are, in communion. And at the same time, the presence of Christianity, of the Christian faith as a reference point for all people...that respecting liberties, is however a light to all and that unites us precisely in our differences. We hope that the Lord will help us always in this way, to accept the other person in their differences, respect them, and reveal the presence of Christ in this gesture of love, that is the true expression of his presence and His Word. May this help us to be truly ministers of Christ and of His salvation for the world.” (2 - end) (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/2/2008; righe 96, parole 1171)
