Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Due to its ancient roots and distinguished history, Christianity in India has long made its proper contribution to culture and society, and to its religious and spiritual expressions. It is through a determination to live the Gospel... that those whom you serve will make a more effective contribution to the entire body of Christ and to Indian society, to the benefit of all. May your people continue to flourish by the preaching of God’s word and by the promotion of a fellowship based on the love of God.” This was the appeal that the Holy Father Benedict XVI made to the Bishops Conference of the Syro-Malankars, received in Audience on 25 March, for their Ad limina visit.
The Pope emphasised that the apostolic traditions maintained by the Syro-Malankara Church “enjoy their full spiritual fruitfulness when they are lived in union with the Church universal” and urged the Bishops to encourage among priests and the faithful “for the liturgical and spiritual heritage” that has been passed down to them, while continually building on their “communion with the See of Peter.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing many parishes, Benedict XVI recalled that “smaller parishes, bearing in mind the social reality Christians face in the broader cultural context, present their own opportunities for truly fraternal upbuilding and assistance. Small Christian communities have often, as you know, given outstanding witness in the history of the Church. Just as in apostolic times, the Church in our age will surely thrive in the presence of the living Christ, who has promised to be with us always (cf. Mt 28:20) and to sustain us (cf. 1 Cor 1:8).”
Finally, acknowledging the variety and number of catechetical and religious formation programs carried out, the Holy Father underlined that “Along with the celebration of the sacraments, such programmes will help ensure that those in your care will always be able to give an account of the hope which is theirs in Christ. Indeed, catechesis and spiritual development are among the most important challenges which pastors of souls face, and so I warmly encourage you to persevere along the path you have chosen as you seek to form your people in a deeper knowledge and love of the faith, aided by God’s grace and by your humble trust in his providence.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/03/2011)
