POPE RECEIVES BISHOPS OF GHANA AT END OF "AD LIMINA"

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father received the members of the Ghana Bishops' Conference this morning, at the end of their "ad limina" visit and recalled that, since their last such visit to Rome, "six new dioceses have been established in Ghana, a positive sign of the work being done for Christ."

Pointing to the missionary nature of the Church, the Pope stated that "the energy and zeal of the first evangelization of Ghana must continue to be a source of strength and enthusiasm as you proclaim Christ and his saving Gospel. ... Not least in this regard is your duty to address those issues of particular importance for the social, economic, political and cultural life of your country." He added that "the proper administration of public affairs ... is essential if justice and peace are to flourish on your continent."

"As you know so well, it belongs in a particular way to the Church to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, thus being a leaven of peace and solidarity, particularly where they are most fragile and threatened. Especially important in this regard are your continuing efforts to resolve ethnic tensions; for rivalries based on race or ethnic origin have no place in the Church of Christ."

John Paul II stressed that "in all of this, yours must be an invitation, gentle yet insistent, to conversion (which) is the result of the effective proclamation of the Gospel. ... The continuing formation of the laity must continue to be a priority in your mission as preachers and teachers. ... Moreover, as they are confirmed in the revealed truth, the faithful will be able to respond to the objections raised by the followers of sects and new religious movements. Catechesis is especially important for young people."

The Holy Father then turned to "the important issue of inculturation" and said: "As people find inspiration and direction through contact with God's saving word, they will naturally be led to work for a profound transformation of the society in which they live. The Gospel message penetrates the very life of cultures and becomes incarnate in them. ... The challenges presented by inculturation are especially evident in the areas of marriage and family life."

Pope John Paul highlighted "the growth of the Church in Ghana and the many vocations to the priesthood and religious life." "Cherish your priests" and "regard them as precious co-workers and friends," he urged the bishops. "The priest is not a mere caretaker of an institution. ... He is an evangelist and doctor of souls." And the Pope stressed the importance of seminary formation, as well as ongoing formation for those already ordained.

He also addressed the "decisive role in the spread of the faith and the formation of new local Churches" played by religious and missionary institutes.
In concluding remarks, John Paul II said: "Always be attentive to the human and spiritual needs of your people. Time and resources should never be spent on diocesan and parochial structures or development projects at the expense of the people; nor should structure or projects impede personal contact with those whom God has called us to serve."

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