VATICAN - The Pope addresses students of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy: “cultivate "the two constitutive and complementary dimensions of the Church: communion and mission, unity and passion for evangelisation

Friday, 20 May 2005

Vatican City (Fides Service) - This morning, the Holy Father received students of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, accompanied by their president, Archbishop Justo Mullor, calling on them to use their formative years to reinforce their "sensus Ecclesiae," so as to take on "an ecclesial form in your entire personality, in your minds and in your hearts." Benedict XVI called on the future pontifical diplomatic representatives to cultivate "the two constitutive and complementary dimensions of the Church: communion and mission, unity and passion for evangelisation." Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy was founded by Pope Clement XI in 1701 to prepare young ecclesiastics for the Holy See’s diplomatic service.
The Pope underlined the importance of this period of formation to strengthen “sensus Ecclesiae”: “cultivate "the two constitutive and complementary dimensions of the Church: communion and mission, unity and evangelical passion. To the movement towards the centre of the Church must correspond a courageous impulse to bear witness to the particular Churches of the treasure of truth and grace which Christ entrusted to Peter and his successors. This dimension of your mission are worthily represented by the apostles Peter and Paul who shed their blood here in Rome. While you are at the academy," said the Pope, "seek to become fully 'Roman' in an ecclesial sense, in other words, sure and faithful in your adherence to the Magisterium and to the pastoral guidance of Peter's Successor. At the same time, cultivate missionary zeal, with eagerness to cooperate in spreading the Gospel to the farthest confines of the world.”
Recalling the testimony of John Paul II, which “had a profound echo also among non Christians”, Benedict XVI said “where Christ is announced with a coherent life style he speaks to all hearts even to brother and sisters of other religious traditions … The mission of the Church is not in contrast with respect for religious and cultural traditions. Christ does not take away, rather he gives fullness of life, joy and hope”. Besides sound cultural preparation, it is indispensable to “live holiness” the Holy Father told the students. “To this end, tirelessly seek to be exemplary priests, animated by constant and intense prayer, cultivating intimacy with Christ. Be priests according to Christ's heart and you will carry our your ministry with success and apostolic fruits. Never allow yourselves to be tempted by the logic of career advancement and power”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/5/2005, righe 29, parole 418)


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