Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Maputo (Agenzia Fides)- “We, the Bishops of Mozambique, intend neither to undervalue nor be indifferent to this moment of grace, which we consider an opportune occasion for collaboration with our priests, with our consecrated men and women and with the People of God entrusted to our care, to reflect on the beauty and splendour of the priestly ministry and to express our gratitude to the workers in the Lord's vineyard in Mozambique” . This statement is part of a Pastoral Letter issued by the Catholic Bishops of Mozambique for the Year of the Priesthood proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI.
With this document, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the Bishops wish to “call attention to the mentality of the world which is a threat to the life and the spirituality of the priest, and to offer indications for overcoming difficulties which appear in the life of priests”.
The Letter recalls that “with the sacrament of Holy Orders, God freely and absolutely calls some members of the faithful to be ministers in the priesthood. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders priests are inserted in the mystery of communion: first of all in the communion of the Trinity, with the Father, source of life, with Christ, the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies”.
This Trinitarian communion of the priest is born from and is consolidated in ecclesial communion at various levels with the Pope, with the College of Bishops, with is own diocesan Bishops, with other priests, with the lay faithful and with the whole human family (cfr Lumen gentium, 28).
This is why, the Bishops write, “priests participate in the apostolic mission of the local Bishop to whom they owe love, reverence and filial obedience. In turn the Bishop must show paternal love and concern for his priests. This relationship of communion between the Bishop and his priests is realised especially in prophetic announcement of the Word and obedience to the mandate of Christ in general and especially in catechesis ”.
A demanding commitment which many young Mozambicans have accepted: “The holy people of God and the Bishops are filled with spiritual joy to see a growing number of young men responding generously to the ideal of the priestly life”.
“We see with profound gratitude that many priests live the priesthood with joyful self denial announcing the Word of God with courage, celebrating the sacraments with fervour, supporting and leading the Christian community with great zeal. Others seek with creativity ways to alleviate the sufferings of the people, or are involved in socio-pastoral activity of education, healthcare, protection of the poor, in a word, to promote respect for human rights and dignity ”.
The Bishops of Mozambique speak of "evils which tarnish the priestly sacrament”, such as scarcity of fervour, exaggerated activism, consumerism, ambition for power, difficult relations with other priests, tension and conflict with superiors.
The Bishops launch an appeal, “we call on our beloved priests to welcome the Year of the Priesthood as an opportune time to vivify our response to this immense gift, with an attitude of permanent and renewed generous and joyous self-giving. With affection we entrust to Mary all our priests that they may labour with courage and perseverance in the vineyard of the Lord in Mozambique. May each and every one experience the maternal help and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of priests”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/6/2009 righe 44 parole 569)
