ALL THE FAITHFUL ARE CALLED TO SANCTITY AND MISSION

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father addressed a symposium commemorating the tenth anniversary of the publication of his Encyclical "Redemptoris missio."

John Paul II emphasized that "missionary activity towards un-evangelized peoples and groups is still necessary, particularly in certain areas of the world and in specific cultural contexts. ... In fact, the mission 'ad gentes' is necessary everywhere today.

"At the center of missionary activity is the announcement of Christ, the knowledge and experience of His love," the Holy Father continued. "This announcement does not detract from the independence of activities such as dialogue and human advancement, rather, it bases them in widespread charity and directs them toward a witness that constantly respects others in the attentive discernment of that which the Spirit arouses in them."

When "the proclamation of the Gospel and public fidelity to Christ are hindered for various reasons, a Christian always has the possibility to collaborate in the work of salvation through prayer, example, dialogue, and humanitarian service."

After stressing that "the call to mission is a continuous call to sanctity," the Holy Father affirmed: "Only in this way can the light of Christ, reflected in the face of the Church, also enlighten the men of our time.

"This, then, is the principle task of the Successor of Peter, called to ensure and promote the communion and universal mission of the Church. It is the responsibility of the Roman Curia and the bishops who share such an exalted ministry with him. It is a responsibility, also, from which believers of every age and condition cannot separate themselves."

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