Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Dialogue with other religions remains a high priority, especially in the southern areas of your Country,” emphasised the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 3 March, receiving a group of prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, who have just completed their “ad limina” visit.
“While the Church proclaims without fail that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (cf. Jn 14:6),” continued the Holy Father, “nevertheless she respects all that is true and good in other religions, and she seeks, with prudence and charity, to enter into an honest and amicable dialogue with the followers of those religions whenever possible (cf. Nostra Aetate, 2). In doing so, the Church works toward mutual understanding and the advancement of the common good of humanity. I commend you for the work you have already done and I encourage you, by means of the dialogue that has been established, to continue to promote the path to true and lasting peace with all of your neighbours, never failing to treat each person, no matter his or her beliefs, as created in the image of God.”
In his Address, the Holy Father thanked the Bishops for the pastoral ministry they carry out, and recalling the words of St Paul: “Let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest” (Gal 6:9), he highlighted that the Apostle “presents us with a double imperative, one which is most appropriate to your ministry as bishops in the central and southern islands of the Philippine archipelago. You must labour in doing good among Christians and non-Christians alike.”
Among the most important tasks for the Bishops, the Pope highlighted “ongoing catechetical formation... with particular care for parents in their role as the first educators of their children in the faith.” The Holy Father took “the opportunity to salute the many religious sisters and lay catechists who assist” the Bishops in this vital work. “Indeed, as diocesan Bishops you never face any challenge alone, being assisted first and foremost by your clergy,” urging them to “know your priests well and to guide them with sincere concern, while priests are always to be prepared to fulfil humbly and faithfully the tasks entrusted to them.” The Pope then emphasised the importance of “continuing formation for young priests,” and the necessity to encourage priests “of all ages... regular days of recollection, yearly retreats and convocations, as well as programs for continuing education and assistance for priests who may be facing difficulties.”
Pope Benedict encouraged the Bishops to “profit from the yearly celebration of Holy Thursday, during which the Church commemorates the priesthood in a special way. In accordance with their solemn promises at ordination, remind your priests of their commitment to celibacy, obedience, and an ever greater dedication to pastoral service.”
Finally Benedict XVI, heartened “that many Filipinos attend Sunday Mass,” stressed that their task and that of their priests, is “never to grow weary in pursuing the lost sheep, making sure that all the faithful draw life from the great gift given to us in the Sacred Mysteries.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/03/2011)
