Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City ( Fides Service) – A major pastoral commitment must be to “develop into a community of disciples of the Lord” Pope John Paul II said to a group of Philippine Bishops from the provinces of Caceres, Capiz, Cebu, Jaro and Palo, whom he received in Audience for the in ad limina visit on 9 October in the Vatican.
“Being a disciple of the Lord is not a whimsical decision but is instead a serious, loving response to a personal invitation: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should bear fruit and that your fruit should abide. This I command you, to love one another" (Jn 15,16-17).
The Pope urged the Bishops to give special attention to guaranteeing their people "integral faith formation. In fact, it is only through this authentic discipleship, based on loving solidarity, that the Philippines can begin to resolve the worrisome dichotomy between faith and life which plagues so many modern societies.”
(Fides Service 9/10/2003 EM lines 17 Words: 196)
