VATICAN CITY, JUL 5, 1999 (VIS) - The Consolata Missionary Sisters, currently celebrating their General Chapter, were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning, who underscored the theme of their meeting, "Urgent charismatic choices today for the vitality of our inculturated mission 'ad gentes', at a time of decrease."
"The missionary impulse," the Pope remarked, "belongs to the very nature of Christian life." He added that consecrated persons dedicated to missionary life are "more than ever necessary" because "the numbers of those still awaiting to know Christ are immense. ... On the threshold of the Third Millennium the mandate to proclaim Christ, the one Savior of the world, takes on renewed urgency."
"Be authentic missionaries," John Paul II urged them, "through a convincing witness of consecrated life, both individually and as a community, through a humble and respectful presence at the side of the poorest people and socially marginalized groups, with special attention to families, women and young people."
"Following your specific charism," stated he Pope, "be a consoling presence, filled with hope and peace. In this perspective I would like to congratulate you for the courageous choice of solidarity with populations who have been tried in various ways, next to whom you remain, often facing situations of insecurity and risk. The presence of the Consolata Missionary Sisters in zones struck by civil war or shaken by intolerant integralism, where you have become 'a voice for those without a voice', constitutes a clear witness of a life totally given to the service of God and your brothers."
AC;MISSIONS;...;CONSOLATA SISTERS;VIS;19990705;Word: 260;
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment