Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The apostolic and diplomatic ministry at the service of the Holy See, which is carried out wherever you are sent, requires a competence that is not improvised. Therefore, make the most of this time in your formation, in order to be better prepared to adequately face every situation.” This was the advice given by the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the students of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, whom he received in an audience on June 9. The Pope continued, saying, “In your daily commitments, you will come in contact with ecclesial realities to be understood and supported; you will often live far from your own countries of origin, in countries that you will learn to know and love; you will have to approach the world with bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and be prepared to offer not only the contribution of your diplomatic experience, but in addition and above all, your priestly testimony. For this reason, apart from the necessary juridical, theological and diplomatic training, what is most important is that your lives and activities reflect a faithful love for Christ and for the Church, that brings forth in you a friendly pastoral concern for everyone.”
In his address, the Holy Father recalled that “unity with Christ is the secret of authentic success for the ministry of each priest,” and communion with Him, “will ensure you serenity and peace even in the most complex and difficult moments.” The task of the priests of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy will be that of proclaiming more so with their lives than with their words, “the joyful and consoling announcement of the Gospel of love, in places sometimes very far removed from the Christian experience.” Thus, the Pope exhorted them to become, every day, “docile listeners to the Word of God,” and to announce the Truth that is Christ. “May prayer, meditation and listening to the word of God be your daily bread,” the Pope continued. “If your communion with the Lord grows, if you live in Him and not only for Him, you will radiate His love and joy around you... Together with the daily listening to the Word of God, may the celebration of the Eucharist be the core and the focus of your every day and of your entire ministry.”
In concluding, the Holy Father mentioned that “the priest, like every baptized person, lives on the Eucharistic communion with the Lord,” and encouraged the priests of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy to make the Eucharist become “a school of life for you, in which Jesus' sacrifice on the cross teaches you to give yourselves totally to your fellow man. In undertaking their mission, pontifical representatives are called to offer to others this testimony of welcome, fruit of their constant union with Christ.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2008)
