Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - " It is a source of satisfaction that the proclamation of God’s word is bearing rich spiritual fruit in your local Churches, especially through the spread of small Christian communities in which the faithful come together for prayer, reflection on the Scriptures and fraternal support." This is what was said by the Holy Father Benedict XVI who received in audience, a group of Indian Bishops from the Indian provinces of the Latin rite of Hyderabad, Visakapattanam, Verapoly and Trivandrum, on May 30, in the Vatican on the occasion of their Ad Limina visit. The Pope urged the Bishops "to ensure that the fullness of God’s word, which comes to us in the sacred Scriptures and the Church’s apostolic tradition, is made readily available to those who seek to deepen their knowledge and love of the Lord and their obedience to his will ". He also encouraged them by saying that “Every effort should be made to stress that individual and group prayer is, by its very nature, born of, and leads back to, the wellspring of grace found in the Church’s sacraments and her entire liturgical life. Nor can it be forgotten that the word of God not only consoles but also challenges believers, as individuals and in community, to advance in justice, reconciliation and peace among themselves and in society as a whole.” In fidelity to the new commandment to love one another, this selfless love finds practical expression in service to others. “In this light, the Holy Father said-, I am pleased to note the impressive signs of the Church’s charity in many fields of social activity, a service borne in a particular way by her priests and religious” and he mentioned the Church’s schools that “prepare young people of all faiths and none to build a more just and peaceful society. Church agencies have been instrumental in the promotion of microcredit, helping the poor to help themselves”, “the ecclesial mission related to the Church’s healing and charitable mission through clinics, orphanages, hospitals and innumerable other projects aimed at promoting human dignity and well-being, assisting the poorest and the weakest, the lonely and the elderly, the abandoned and the suffering”. Therefore he recommended: “Christ’s faithful in India continue to assist all those in need in the communities around them, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or social status, out of the conviction that all have been created in God’s image and all are due equal respect.”
The last issue addressed by the Pope was one of the family, such as "domestic Churches" are to be examples of that mutual love, respect and support which ought to animate the human relations at every level." Faced with the grave challenges which threaten "to undermine the unity, harmony and sanctity of the family," Benedict XVI urged " A sound catechesis which appeals especially to those preparing for marriage will do much to nourish the faith of Christian families and will assist them in giving a vibrant, living witness to the Church's age-old wisdom regarding marriage, the family, and the responsible use of God’s gift of sexuality. " (SL) (Agenzia Fides 31/05 / 2011)
