VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho: “Catholics in your region constitute a minority. This presents many challenges which require dedication on the part of the Church to tend the flock effectively and, at the same time, remain faithful to her missionary commitment”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Catholics in your region constitute a minority. This presents many challenges which require dedication on the part of the Church to tend the flock effectively and, at the same time, remain faithful to her missionary commitment. For this reason it is essential that the bishops promote the crucial work of catechesis in order to ensure that God’s people are truly prepared to witness by word and deed to the authentic teaching of the Gospel” Pope Benedict XVI told a group of Bishops from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho whom he received in audience in the Hall of the Popes on Friday 10 June, on the occasion of their ad limina visit.
Greeting the Bishops and through them the Catholic clergy, religious and laity in each of their respective countries, the Pope recalled that their ad limina visit comes during the Year of the Eucharist, a sacrament which “must always be at the heart of your Episcopal ministry and an inspiration to those who assist you in your sacred task”. The Pope thanked God for the many priests, religious and lay men and women who devote their lives to evangelisation and catechesis, reminding the Bishops of their special responsibility to “ensure that these "irreplaceable evangelisers" are provided with the necessary spiritual, doctrinal and moral preparation.”
Although Sub-Saharan Africa is blessed by God with abundant vocations, the region still needs more priests. “As Shepherds of Christ’s flock, it is your grave responsibility to help them develop into men of the Eucharist - said Benedict XVI -. Priests are called to leave everything and become ever more devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, leading men and women to this mystery and the peace it brings”. The Pope encouraged the Bishops “to select conscientiously candidates for the priesthood. Likewise these young men should be formed with great concern to guarantee that they are prepared for the many challenges they will face… A world filled with temptations needs priests who are totally dedicated to their mission. Accordingly, they are asked in a very special way to open themselves fully to serving others as Christ did by embracing the gift of celibacy. Bishops should assist them by ensuring that this gift never becomes a burden but always remains life-giving.”.
In the last part of his address the Pope spoke about the family “which has always been a unifying characteristic of African society”, today threatened by “divorce, abortion, prostitution, human trafficking and a contraceptive mentality, all of which contribute to a breakdown in sexual morality”. Benedict XVI said: “ Brother Bishops, I share your deep concern over the devastation caused by AIDS and related diseases. I especially pray for the widows, the orphans, the young mothers and all those whose lives have been shattered by this cruel epidemic”. He encouraged them to continue their efforts to fight the virus “which not only kills but seriously threatens the economic and social stability of the Continent. The Catholic Church has always been at the forefront both in prevention and in treatment of this illness. The traditional teaching of the Church has proven to be the only failsafe way to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/6/2005; righe 38, parole 547)