VATICAN - Pope addresses the Bishops of Nicaragua: “We should never forget that the seed of the Gospel should always be sown, in every age, in every generation, so that it may fully bloom and so that its flower may never die.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – In an audience held on September 6 with the Bishops of Nicaragua on their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, the Holy Father Benedict XVI expressed his appreciation for their efforts to make the Gospel message reach all sectors of society in Nicaragua, through the generous collaboration of the priests and religious institutes present in the country. The Pope mentioned the valuable support offered by the catechists and “delegates of the Word,” “who are a channel through which the gift of the faith grows among children and illuminates the various stages of their lives in remote areas where the permanent presence of a priest guiding the community is nearly impossible.” The Church owes a great deal to these people, the Pontiff said, “which is why it is of utmost importance that these generous servants and collaborators of the evangelizing mission of the Church receive the support of their Pastors, possess a profound and continual formation, and maintain an impeccable fidelity to the Church’s doctrine.”
In mentioning the recent revision of the seminaries in Nicaragua, with the purpose of offering a better formation to seminarians, Benedict XVI explained that formation is “always necessary” and that it “requires a close relationship and careful attention on the part of each Bishop, without ever ceasing to maintain a diligent discernment of candidates and the rigorous demands necessary in becoming exemplary priests, filled with love for Christ and the Church.” The Pope was also pleased at the preparation of a special catechism text for Confirmation candidates and at the promotion of the Holy Childhood Association, expressing his hope for an improved religious assistance in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions.
“We should never forget that the seed of the Gospel should always be sown, in every age, in every generation, so that it may fully bloom and so that its flower may never die. Even popular religion, which is so rooted among your people and that is a great treasure for your nation, should go beyond a mere tradition that is passively received and should be continually revitalized through a pastoral activity that sheds light on the profundity of the gestures and symbols, revealing the impenetrable mystery of salvation and hope they point to, and of which God has made us participants, illuminating our minds, filling our hearts, and committing our lives.”
Among the main challenges of the Church in Nicaragua is that of offering a “solid religious formation” to the faithful, “so that they may be yeast of the Kingdom of God with their testimony in various social spheres and work to ensure that temporal affairs are conducted according to justice and meet the needs of man’s entire vocation here on earth. This is particularly important in a situation in which poverty and immigration are added onto by social inequality and political radicalization, especially in recent years.”
The Holy Father then encouraged the Bishops to continue in their efforts to “create an environment of dialogue and openness, without renouncing the defense of man’s fundamental rights and the condemnation of unjust situations, and fostering a perspective on politics that, instead of being a desire for power and control, should be a generous and humble service towards the common good.” There is also a need to continue “to promote and support the many charitable projects at the service of those most in need in your Dioceses.”
In concluding his address, the Holy Father recalled “the dynamism, the dedication, and the creativity of the religious men and women, which are a treasure for the Church in Nicaragua.” He also mentioned the Catholic schools, which the majority of Nicaraguan students attend and that “amidst great difficulties and without all the necessary aid, carry out an essential mission in the Church and an inestimable service to society.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2008)