Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - This morning, Saturday 21 May Pope Benedict XVI received the Bishops of Rwanda on ad limina visit to Rome”. “Through you I greet affectionately your communities” the Pope said, encouraging clergy and faithful, sorely tried by the genocide 1994 and its consequences to remain firm in the faith and to persevere in hope a gift of the Risen Christ, overcoming all temptation to lose courage. “May the Spirit of Pentecost, poured out on the whole universe render fruitful the efforts of those who work to build brotherhood among all Rwandans in a spirit of truth and justice!”.
The Holy Father recalled the local Church’s activity to promote peace and reconciliation through small communities of lay people in communion with the bishops in the ambit of the Church’s missionary pastoral. “I encourage you to support these communities” the Pope said since they guarantee the development of a stronger spiritual and ecclesial life with which to respond to the numerous challenges in Rwanda. “Work tirelessly to see that the Gospel penetrates ever more deeply the hearts and life of believers, and urge the faithful to assume their responsibilities in society, in particular in the fields of the economy and politics, with a sense of morals nourished by the Gospel and the Church’s Social Doctrine”.
Pope Benedict XVI sent special greetings to priests and those preparing for the priesthood: “their number is an authentic sign of hope for the future”. A locally born clergy is a reason to honour the patient work of missionaries who announced Christ and formed Christian communities. The Pope asked the bishops to be close to their priests and to give special attention to their formation and the condition in which they live and exercise their mission. At the end of his address the Holy Father encouraged bishops and people to continue to “build communities animated by genuine reciprocal love and filled with an imperious desire to work for authentic reconciliation. May there resound on every hill the song of messengers carrying the Good News of Christ who has conquered death”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/5/2005; righe 26, parole 380)
