Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Dear families, the crucifix you receive will be your inseparable travelling companion as you proclaim with your missionary activity that there is salvation only in Jesus Christ, who died and is risen. You will be his humble and joyful witnesses walking the roads of all continents in simplicity and poverty, sustained by unceasing prayer, listening to the Word of God and nourished by participation in the liturgical life of the particular Churches to whom you are sent”. Pope Benedict XVI said to about two hundred families of the NeoCatechumanal Way whom he received in a special audience with the Way’s founders Spaniards Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández and spiritual director Italian Fr Mario Pezzi.
In his address the Pope recalled that the special "mission” given to these families who will go to various countries, mainly in Latin America “is part of new evangelisation in which precisely families play an important role”. The Pope reminded them that since they are sent by the Successor of St Peter their apostolic work is at the heart of the Church in total harmony with the Pope’s instructions and in communion with the particular Churches they go.
Pope Benedict XVI reminded those present of the “importance of the liturgy, especially the Holy Mass for evangelisation” and that “the centrality of the mystery of Christ celebrated in liturgical rites constitutes a privileged and indispensable means of building communities of active and persevering Christians”. In this regard he mentioned a recent Instruction issued in his name by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on matters to be observed or avoided in the celebration of the Eucharist: “I am certain that you will observe these norms which refer to what is laid down in the Church’s approved liturgical books - the Pope said -. By faithfully observing every instruction of the Church you will render ever more effective your apostolate in harmony and full communion with the Pope and the Bishops of all the different dioceses”.
Among the abundant pastoral fruits harvested by the Neocatechumenal Way the Holy Father mentioned numerous vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. “Today however it is especially to the family that our attention is turned. Today over 200 of them are about to be sent on mission; these families will set out with little human support, but they can rely on Divine Providence. Dear families, with your story you demonstrate that the Lord never abandons those who trust in Him. Continue to spread the Gospel of life … In a world searching for human certainties and earthly security show that Christ is the firm rock on which to build one’s life and that trust in him is never disappointed”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2006 - righe 31; parole 448)
