ALBANIA: FIRST "AD LIMINA" VISIT SINCE END OF DICTATORSHIP

VATICAN CITY, FEB 3, 2001 (VIS) - "I am overjoyed to welcome you in this first 'ad limina' visit since Albania has recovered its place among the free and democratic nations, after the end of communist dictatorship," the Holy Father said this morning to the members of the Episcopal Conference of Albania.

"In this special circumstance," continued the Holy Father, "I wish to thank the entire Albanian Church for the witness offered in the years of persecution and to unite myself to it in praising the Lord for having been able to celebrate together, here in Rome last November 4th, the tenth anniversary of the reopening of churches and renewed visibility of your country's ecclesial life."
John Paul II affirmed furthermore that, "after the long winter of persecutions, the season of hope has begun. ... Vocations to the priestly and religious life have increased, and the major interdiocesan seminary of Scutari has been reopened."

"'To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium which is now beginning'," continued the Holy Father, citing the Apostolic Letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte." He went on to affirm that "this commitment must find an authoritative and sure reference in your episcopal conference. I am certain that a welcoming manner which is respectful of all charisms will lead you to value the contribution of the missionaries and religious who, coming from other nations, have chosen to serve Christ and the brethren in your land."

"To work together, in reciprocal respect, that we may all feel ourselves a part of one Church and at the service of the one cause of the Gospel: this is the right attitude for effectively developing a program for an ever more profound inculturation of the Christian message in the Albanian context."

The Pope emphasized that "preparation of the clergy and spiritual care of pastoral ministry for vocations is also of fundamental importance. ... Esteemed Brothers in the episcopate, to the formation of the clergy, religious, and workers in pastoral ministries, you add a marked attention for two other undeniable objectives of the Church of the third millennium: pastoral ministry to youth and to families. It is imperative, in effect, to prepare the young generations to build a better future in their own country, overcoming the temptation of emigration and the illusion of easy successes attainable abroad."

"It is also indispensable ... to fight against the grave evils which, unfortunately, afflict your country as well, such as abortion, prostitution, the spirit of vendetta, the exploitation of women, and violence. Do not tire of firmly raising your voice in defense of life from its conception."

"The sphere of evangelization which opens itself to your eyes is vast," the Pope exclaimed. "The amount of uncertainties could sometimes discourage you. How can such an exacting task be accomplished? How can a mature community, protagonist of the new evangelization, be built? Primarily by keeping your hearts steadfast in Christ: it is from Him that you can draw strength and light. His grace will make you strong and patient, ready to welcome the many gifts with which He fills His Church."

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