Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The ever pertinent word of Saint Thomas Aquinas, an appeal for peace in Lebanon and Gaza Strip, World Leprosy Day and the month of peace celebrated by Catholic Action were the themes on which Pope Benedict XVI focused his reflection before the midday Angelus prayer on Sunday 28 January
The Pope recalled St Thomas Aquinas on his feast day, “he offers a valid model of harmony between reason and faith, dimensions of the human spirit which are fully realised in reciprocal encounter and dialogue”. Underlining the unchanging pertinence of St Thomas’s teaching, the Pope said “if man thinks only of material and tangible things and closes his mind to the great questions of life, about himself and about God he is impoverished… authentic Christian faith never mortifies human freedom and reason; why then must faith and reason fear one another, if they can best express themselves when they meet and dialogue? Faith supposes reason and perfection, and reason, illuminated by faith, finds the strength to lift itself to knowledge of God and the spiritual realities. Human reason loses nothing by opening itself to the contents of the faith, indeed, these require the free and conscious adhesion of the mind.”
The Pope made an appeal for peace in the Lebanon: “Over the past few days violence has returned to bloody the Lebanon. It is unacceptable that this path be taken to support political reasons. I am deeply concerned for those beloved people. I know that many Lebanese disorientated by what is happening are tempted to lose hope. I endorse the powerful words of His Beatitude Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir to denounce fratricidal fighting. With him and with the other religious leaders I invoke God’s help that all Lebanese people without distinction may wish and can work together to make their homeland a common home, overcoming selfish attitudes which prevent people from taking care of the country (cfr. Esortazione Apostolica Una speranza nuova per il Libano, N. 94). To Christians in Lebanon I renew the call to promote authentic dialogue among the different communities and I invoke upon all the protection of Our Lady of Lebanon. I also hope for a cessation of violence in the Gaza Strip. To all who live there, I wish to express my spiritual closeness and assure my prayer that there may prevail a will to work together for the common good, choosing peaceful ways to overcome differences and tensions.”
After the Marian Prayer Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the international World Leprosy Day: “I wish to greet and assure my special prayers for all who suffer from this disease. I hope they will be cured and in any case that they may receive adequate care in dignified conditions. I encourage healthcare workers and volunteers who assist these people and all who collaborate in different ways to eradicate this disease which is a social scourge. Many men and women following the footsteps of Christ have dedicated themselves to this noble cause. I would recall among them Raoul Follereau and Blessed Damian de Veuster apostle of lepers in Molokai.”
The Pope concluded with a greeting to children members of Catholic Action of the diocese of Rome who had come to St Peter’s Square accompanied by parents and teachers and the Pope’s vicar for the diocese, Cardinal Ruini, to conclude a Month of Peace. “Two of your representatives are here beside me to help me free a pair of doves as symbols of peace - the Pope told the children. But you are the real messengers of peace! On the wings of goodness and faith carry everywhere the joy of being and living as children of the One Father in heaven.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 29/1/2007; righe 45, parole 655)
