Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “It is of particular importance that you announce the perennial message of the Gospel with renewed enthusiasm, in a society which is not immune from the temptations of secularization, hedonism, and relativism, signs of which are the problems of the falling birth-rate, the fragility of families and the illusion of finding fortune outside the homeland.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI exhorted the Bishops' Conference of Belarus, whom he received in an audience on their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit on December 17. He urged them to “underline the power of the faith, a faith rooted in solid tradition, in order to contribute to preserving the deep-rooted Christian identity of the nation, while maintaining respectful dialogue with other cultures and religions.”
The Holy Father also mentioned the educational dimension of pastoral action: “it is necessary to increase our efforts in order to ensure that people, and above all the new generations, receive a valid formation. I encourage you, therefore, to continue in your commitment, ensuring that proper catechesis marks the path of faith in all stages of life, and that there are occasions, “intra-and extra-”ecclesial, to make, under your guidance, the message of Christ reach every area of the flock entrusted to you." The Pope also urged the bishops to oversee "the discernment and accompaniment of the various vocations, particularly of priests and religious," to promote "programs to increase human and Christian education of youth", "to keep close watch to ensure that candidates for the priesthood receive a solid and rigorous theological and spiritual formation and are properly guided in making a serious and thorough verification of the divine call.”
In the concluding part of his address, the Pontiff encouraged the Bishops of Belarus to “take advantage of every contribution to announce and spread the Kingdom of God,” recalling “the fraternal collaboration with the Orthodox Church in Belarus.” In fact, “the Orthodox Churches, like the Catholic Church, are strongly committed to reflecting on how to respond to the challenges of our time, in order to transmit Christ's message faithfully.” Lastly, the Holy Father recalled the audience he had had several months ago with the President of the Republic of Belarus, during which “there was a reaffirmation of the willingness of the parties to conclude an agreement, which is underway." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2009)
