Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Impact of popular piety on the process of evangelisation in Latin America” was the theme of the Plenary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, at which were received by the Holy Father on 8 April. The theme “directly affronts one of the most important aspects of missionary work to which the diverse Churches on this great continent are committed to,” said Benedict XVI in his Address.
“In pursuing the new evangelisation in Latin America”, the Holy Father said, “one cannot disregard the many manifestations of popular piety. All these, well channelled and duly accompanied, help bring about a fruitful encounter with God, fostering an intense veneration of the Sacrament, a profound devotion to the Virgin Mary, affection for Peter's Successor and a sense of belonging to the Church... Consequently, the faith has to be the principal source of popular piety, in order that it not be reduced simply to a form of cultural expression within a given region. Moreover, it must remain in strict relation with the sacred liturgy, which may not be substituted with any other form of religious expression.”
The great celebrations throughout the liturgical year, the numerous shrines and the devotion to the Virgin Mary are reflected in the many expressions of popular piety, “nevertheless, one cannot deny”, remarked the Pope, “the existence of certain deviant forms of popular religiosity which, far from promoting active participation in the Church, instead create confusion and can give rise to a superficial religious practice detached from a deep-rooted and inwardly vital faith.”
In conclusion, Benedict XVI referred to the commitment by the Latin American and Carribean Episcopate, calling on all members to be in a state of continuous mission. The goal, he said, is “to protect, promote and purify” that which is linked to expressions of popular religiosity in Latin America,” concluded the Pope. He highlighted that, in order to achieve this aim, it would be valuable to continue to promote the continental Mission which “has given particular space to the pastoral field, and which constitutes a privileged method for ensuring that the faith is welcomed into the hearts of the people, touching their deepest sentiments, and is shown to be strong and flourishing through divine charity.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 09/04/2011)
