VATICAN - “There is need for well-trained and courageous priests who, without ambition or fear but convinced of gospel truth, make the announcement of Christ their first concern and, in His name, are ready to reach out to human suffering”: Pope Benedict receives the community of Almo Collegio Capranica

Saturday, 21 January 2006

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Pope Benedict XVI today received the rector and students of the diocesan seminary of Rome, the Almo Collegio Capranica on the eve of the feast day of their patroness St Agnes. The Almo Collegio forms students to the priesthood for Rome, other Italian dioceses and the rest of the world. In his address the Pope said: “This is a very important period of your life, the time of your formation, an opportune time to grow humanly, culturally and spiritually… The College is organised to help you prepare for your future pastoral mission: prayer, time for reflection, study, community life and support of your formators … During these years strive to take advantage of every opportunity to bear effective witness to the Gospel among the men and women of our day”.
The Holy Father also recalled that Capranica College is part of the life of Rome diocese and has always been closely connected in fidelity to the Bishop of Rome. Moreover the opportunity to undertake theological studies in Rome offers a chance to open to the needs of the universal Church. “In order to respond to the expectations of modern society, and to cooperate in the immense evangelical activity that involves all Christians, there is need for well-trained and courageous priests who, without ambition or fear but convinced of gospel truth, make the announcement of Christ their first concern and, in His name, are ready to reach out to human suffering, bringing the comfort of God's love and the warmth of the ecclesial family to everyone, especially the poor and those undergoing difficulties.”.
To reach this goal the Holy Father indicated the following requisites: human maturation, diligent adhesion to the revealed truth, serious commitment for personal sanctification and the exercise of virtues, communion with the different components of the People of God so that in each may grow in awareness of being part of the Body of Christ. “To achieve all this I invite you dear friends to keep your eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of the faith (cfr Heb12,2). The more you remain in communion with Him, the more able you will be faithfully to follow His footsteps”.
Lastly the Holy Father assured the Capranica community of his prayers and he asked for the intercession of young St Agnes “who resisted flattery and threats, chose for her treasure the precious "pearl" of the Kingdom and loved Christ to the point of martyrdom”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2006 - righe 28; parole 398)


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