Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “We have come together here because of our common search for the good of the new generations, for the growth and future of the children that the Lord has given this city. We are also moved by a common concern, i.e. the perception of what we have called, ‘a great educational emergency.’” With these words, the Holy Father addressed the crowds of people in St. Peter’s Square, on Saturday, February 23, during the presentation and delivery of the “Letter on the Urgent Task of Education,” dated January 21, to the Diocese of Rome (see Fides 24/1/2008).
“Educating, however, has never been an easy task and today it seems to be becoming ever more difficult...There is certainly a strong temptation among both parents and teachers as well as educators in general to give up, since they run the risk of not even understanding what their role or rather the mission entrusted to them is.” And yet, “we feel upheld by a great hope and a strong trust...even in our times educating towards the good is possible. It is a passion that we should carry in our hearts. It is a common task, to which each one is called to make his own contribution.”
Through his Letter, the Pope made some concrete suggestions “on the fundamental and common aspects of the work of education,” and in delivering it to the Diocese of Rome, Benedict XVI wished to show his affectionate encouragement towards educators, “hoping that the great inheritance of faith and culture that is the truest wealth of this beloved city, may not be lost in the passing from one generation to the next.” In his address, the Pontiff also spoke of the various groups of people working in the education field.
To parents, the Pope asked that they remain strong, always, in their mutual love: “This is the first and greatest gift that your children deserve, in order to grow in tranquility, and acquire self-confidence and confidence in life and thus, make them capable of an authentic and generous love.”
To the teachers, the Pope recommended that they “have a high and great ideal” in their work. “Your task, therefore, cannot be limited to offering only facts and information, leaving aside the great question of truth, above all, that truth that can be the guide for life. [...] To you, in close harmony with parents, the noble art of formation of the person has been entrusted. In particular, those who teach in Catholic schools should carry within them and translate into daily action an educational work that has the Lord Jesus and His Gospel as its center.”
Benedict XVI later addressed priests, religious, catechists, animators, and formers from the parishes, youth groups, Church associations and movements, oratories, and sports and recreational activities, asking that they be “those friends of confidence,” in whom, the youth “may be able to encounter Jesus’ love and friendship for them.” He also advised them to be, “the sincere and courageous witnesses to that truth that frees and that shows the new generations the way that leads to life.”
Lastly, to the children, teenagers, and young men and women, the Pope reminded them that they are called, “to be the artisans in their own moral, cultural, and spiritual growth.” “It is up to you, therefore, to freely receive in your hearts, in your intelligence, and in your life, the inheritance of truth, goodness, and beauty that has been formed over the centuries and that has Jesus Christ as its cornerstone. It is up to you to renew and develop, later, this inheritance, freeing it from the lies and ugliness that often makes it unrecognizable and provokes mistrust and disappointment in you.”
On this arduous path, the Pope said, they can count on help from their parents, teachers, priests, friends, and educators, but above all, on “the God who has created us and is the hidden guest of our hearts...He is the true hope and solid foundation for our lives. In Him, above all others, we can place our trust.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2008; righe 50, parole 676)
