Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - This morning at his Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo the Pope received a group of Bishops from Chad on their ad limina visit. “I am happy to welcome you whom the Lord has chosen to guide the people of God in Chad” the Pope said adding that he hoped that the visit would “fortify your apostolic ardour so that your communities may receive new impulse to be light which illuminates and leads to the One who brings salvation”.
“Following the example of Christ the Good Shepherd you are sent to be missionaries of the Good News," the Pope said and he encouraged them to continue this task "with faithfulness and courage! Your holiness of life will render you authentic signs of God’s love. "Through the proclamation of the Gospel guide your communities to the meeting with the Lord, helping them to bear witness to their hope and contributing to the foundation of a more just society based on universal reconciliation and unity. The regular participation of the faithful in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, will give them the strength to follow Christ, and thus they will feel the need to share with their brothers and sisters their joy at meeting the Lord”.
The Pope then went on to refer to priests and to their "difficult but gratifying mission of announcing the Gospel and serving the people of God." He highlighted how "friendship with Christ requires a constant and joyful search for communion of thought, will and action with Him, in humble and faithful obedience," and he prompted the bishops to concern themselves "with the spiritual life of priests, encouraging them to remain faithful to the rule of priestly life, which will help them to conform their lives to the call they received from the Lord. Be close to them in the ministry; at moments of trial and uncertainty comfort and if necessary correct them, urging them to keep their eyes on Christ”.
Among the pastoral challenges facing Bishops of Chad the Pope mentioned “urgency to proclaim the integral truth with regard to marriage and the family” and therefore the necessity of serious formation for young people, “foster renewed family pastoral and help to overcome social, cultural or economic difficulties which for many Catholics are obstacles to Christian marriage”. Christians in Chad are involved in various works of charity: “My gratitude goes to all those in your dioceses, women religious in particular who exercise charitable activity at the service of development, education and healthcare, and assisting refugees. To encourage authentic solidarity towards people in need, without distinction, may they not forget the ecclesial specificity of their activity and grow in awareness that they are Christ’s credible witnesses to their brothers and sisters!” Another priority goal mentioned by the Holy Father concerns “Strengthening fraternity between the different communities of which the nation is composed is an objective requiring everyone's commitment," he said, "so as to protect the country from confrontations that lead to new outbreaks of violence. Recognising the dignity of each individual, the identity of each human and religious group, and their freedom to practice their religion, is part of the shared values of peace and justice which everyone must promote, and is a field in which the leaders of society must play a leading role."
Pope Benedict XVI concluded his address saying he was pleased to hear “that in your country relations between Christians and Muslims are generally good thanks above all to the search for greater reciprocal knowledge. I encourage you to continue to work together in a spirit of sincere dialogue and reciprocal respect in order to help each person so lead a life worthy of the dignity received from God, for authentic solidarity and harmonious development of society.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2006, righe 45, parole 650)
