EUROPE/SPAIN - “THE POPE’S CONCERN FOR ALL THE CHURCHES IN THESE 25 YEARS OF HIS PONTIFICATE HAS BEEN A SPECIAL GIFT OF GOD FOR WHICH WE WISH AND WE MUST GIVE THANKS” STATEMENT TO MARK 25 YEARS OF PONTIFICATE ISSUED BY STANDING COMMITTEE OF SPANISH BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

Madrid (Fides Service) – “His concern for all the Churches in these twenty five years of pontificate is undoubtedly a special gift from God for which we can and we must give thanks” the Standing Committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference affirms in a statement issued to mark the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s election to the See of Peter.
The Bishops say that Pope Wojtyla, with his encyclicals, exhortations, audiences, apostolic journeys to every continent, World Youth Days “and with his very life, urges us to continue to promote the mission which the Church received from Jesus Christ ”. In this perspective “his proclamation in the forums of the world of the dignity and rights of the human person, man and woman, children born and unborn, the family and the brotherhood which should unite all the children of God; defence of life, defence of freedom, harmony and peace; charitable attention for the needy of every race and religion, for the development of all peoples and the constant call to protect creation” commitments stemming from his deeply rooted in the vision of God and mankind revealed in Divine revelation, are an exemplary model of evangelisation.
The statement also says “the message of John Paul II is presented not with imposition or interference but with the prophetic and explicit value of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church which have contributed decisively to a more just social configuration in many countries”.
“Ecumenical dialogue with other Christian confessions has helped to advance on the path to unity. The same can be said of interreligious dialogue which is of great historical importance” the Bishops say.
With regard to the Church in Spain the Bishop say that speeches to Bishops on ad limina visits as well as the word sown by John Paul II during his apostolic visits to Spain, have led the particular Churches to conversion and renewal necessary for new evangelisation.
The Bishops’ statement concludes by urging Spanish Catholics to unite in spirit with Jubilee celebrations with the Pope in prayer and taking part in Mass. The also suggest that the pastoral ministry and teaching of Pope John Paul II should be the centre of public seminars and meetings, conferences, debates in church and civil circles as an expression of gratitude to the Holy Father for this generous self-giving and service to the Church and to the world. On 18 November the Spanish Bishops, in plenary assembly will concelebrate Mass in the cathedral Santa Maria la real de la Almudena to thank God for the gift of his Holiness John Paul II .
RZ (Fides Service 8/10/2003 EM lines 38 Words: 478)