POPE CALLS FOR A REDISCOVERY OF THE SABBATH

VATICAN CITY, SEP 18, 1999 (VIS) - This morning at Castelgandolfo, the Pope addressed the prelates of the Latvian Episcopal Conference who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. He made clear his appreciation for all they have done and are still doing for "the people of God, despite the innumerable difficulties they face."

John Paul II stated that the consequences of atheistic propaganda continue to make themselves felt. Furthermore, "indifference and religious relativism are often associated with modes of group behavior completely incompatible with the Gospel of Christ. ... In the face of such serious problems, it is necessary to forcefully propose once again authentic humanism founded on universal moral law."

"Your Church," the Pope continued, "is living through a moment of transformation. During the long decades of communist domination you knew the gifts of faithfulness and martyrdom." Nonetheless, there exist a number of "negative signs," for example the fact that "many Catholics do not regularly attend Sunday Eucharist and the sacraments. Some do not even baptize their children or they delay the baptism, and the diffusion of sects is growing. ... Consequently, it is necessary that new evangelization become an essential priority," in order that "the word of Christ arrive in abundance to individuals, to families and to society in all its manifestations."

The Holy Father emphasized that "it is particularly important ... to rediscover the celebration of Sunday, the day of the Lord. Last year I dedicated the Apostolic Letter 'Dies Domini' to this. ... Every effort must be made to promote the holy nature of Sunday. ... The Sunday Eucharist is a truly privileged moment for the faithful to be aware of their being a 'church' and to grow in communion."

Going on to speak of the promotion of the laity, the Pope added that lay people "are called to live a true 'apostolate' which, in today's world, must be 'infinitely broader and more intense'." To this end they can count on the assistance of Church-approved ecclesial movements, "so long as they work in full harmony with bishops and diocesan pastoral care."

John Paul II also made reference to priestly ministry: "The need is felt in your communities for a growth in numbers (of priests) in order to cover the requirements of the various parishes." For, although he may rely on support of the laity, "the priest is indispensable."

"Consequently," the Holy Father concluded, "there is an urgency for vocational pastoral care" which, based on prayer directed to "the Lord of the harvest," sensitizes "families and the whole Christian community, in order that the young are helped to open themselves to a possible future call from God."

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