VATICAN - The Pope to the Bishops of Colombia: "It is indispensable to revive in all the faithful their awareness of being disciples and missionaries of Christ"

Monday, 25 June 2012

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Colombia is not a stranger to the consequences of forgetfulness God. Hence, it is indispensable to revive in all the faithful their awareness of being disciples and missionaries of Christ, nourishing the roots of their faith, strengthening their hope and invigorating their testimony of charity." This is what Benedict XVI recommended to the Bishops of Colombia, on June 22 for their visit ad limina Apostolorum. The Pope recalled the efforts made in recent years by the Episcopal Conference and the local Bishops to "implement initiatives geared to fomenting a current of renewed and friutful evangelization", and urged to follow the guidelines set out in the Global Plan of the Episcopal Conference (2012-2020).
Among the situations to be taken seriously, the Pope mentioned "the growing religious pluralism" and "the ever more active presence of Pentecostal and Evangelical communities." "In this connection, it is evident that the people of God are called to purify themselves and to revitalize their faith" urged the Pontiff, who stated: "Hence, it is about being better believers, more pious, affable and welcoming in our parishes and communities, so that no one will feel distant or excluded. Catechesis must be promoted, giving special attention to young people and adults; homilies must be carefully prepared, as well as promote the teaching of Catholic doctrine in schools and universities ... It is also important to appeal to the ecclesial tradition, to promote Marian spirituality and to take care of the rich devotional diversity. To facilitate a serene and open exchange with other Christians, without losing one’s own identity, can also help to improve relations with them and to overcome mistrust and unnecessary confrontations."
Benedict XVI therefore invited the Bishops to continue to be close "to those who are deprived of liberty because of the iniquitous violence", "to assist all those who are being tried, particularly all those who are victims of natural disasters, the poorest, peasants, the sick and afflicted." "Do not forget either those who must emigrate from their homeland, because they have lost their work or are keen to find it; those who see their fundamental rights trampled and are forced to leave their homes and abandon their families under the threat of the dark hand of terror and criminality; or those who have fallen into the ill-fated trade of drugs and arms." Concluding his speech, the Pope recommended "to insist on fostering in the faithful their personal encounter with Jesus Christ, so that they pray without faltering, meditate assiduously on the Word of God and participate more worthly and fervently in the sacraments, celebrated according to the canonical norms and liturgical books." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 25/6/2012)


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