Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “You are called to carry out your mission at the service of the people entrusted to you by the Lord in a difficult contest…peace and national harmony are among the most urgent challenges for the Church in your country. The poorest people in particular are victims of dramatic situations which lead inevitably to deep divisions and unhappiness in society. The second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa, at the stage of preparation, will be an important time for reflection on the proclamation of the Gospel in a context marked by numerous signs of hope but also by concerning situations. "I sincerely hope that Africa will no longer be forgotten in this world of profound changes and that authentic hope may be born for the peoples of that continent.” This is a passage of an address given by Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of the Central African Republic whom he received in audience on June 1 on the occasion of their five yearly ad limina visit to Rome to pray at the tombs of the Apostles St Peter and St Paul and have individual and collective meetings with the Successor of St Peter.
The Pope said that to respond effectively to the challenges facing the Church in that country there must be effective collaboration among the bishops, based on keen awareness of the collegial dimension of the ministry of the bishop. “You can be certain that you are never alone in your ministry, the Lord is close to you and He accompanies you with his presence and his grace. By means of a life of ever more intense communion, exemplary daily life, be witnesses among your people”.
The Pope encouraged all who strive “to foster hope by means of resolute commitment to defending the dignity and inalienable rights of every human person. One of these rights is the fundamental good of peace and a life in security. The promotion of peace, of justice, of reconciliation is an expression of Christian faith in the love God has for every human person. May the Church resolutely continue to announce the peace of Christ working, together with all men and women of good will, to promote justice and reconciliation”. Benedict XVI urged the faithful in that country "to implore this precious gift from the Lord”, he encouraged communities of religious and lay Catholics involved in the fields of healthcare and education to “continue their efforts, never failing, to be signs of the trust the Lord places in each human person”. With regard to marriage and the family the Pope asked the Bishops to guarantee young couples serious preparation for marriage and to develop support for families. The Pope concluded by saying he thanked the priests for their generosity and zeal, urging them to collaborate with other pastoral workers and to live an exemplary priestly life: “In prayer, rooted in the meditation of the Word of God and in the Eucharist, source and summit of their ministry, they will find strength and courage to serve the people of God and lead them on the paths of faith ”. With regard to the formation of future priests the Pope said that more than ever today “it is necessary to be demanding about their human and spiritual formation… and to watch carefully the effective balance of the seminarians and to form them in sensibility to be certain of their aptitude to live the demands of priestly celibacy. Human formation must find its significance in sound spiritual formation since it is indispensable for the life and activity of the priest to be rooted in firm faith in Jesus Christ”.
The last issue on which the Pope touched was the active and fruitful participation on the part of the faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist: “adaptation to different contexts and cultures must be based on an authentic understanding of inculturation … with festive their liturgies your communities wish to offer a joyous expression of God's glory; may this always be properly balanced with silent contemplation of the mystery being celebrated!”
At the end of his address the Pope said: “proceed with courage to help the faith of your people take deep root! May all be tireless builders of peace and reconciliation! I entrust each of your dioceses to protection of the Blessed Virgin Mother, Queen of Africa, may be the star which guides you to Jesus her Son ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 4/6/2007; righe 50, parole 702)
