BISHOPS OF SLOVENIA IN ROME ON "AD LIMINA VISIT"

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received the bishops of Slovenia, who are in Rome on their quinquennial "ad limina" visit. He had met with each of them earlier in private visits to learn about and discuss the situations in their individuals dioceses.

In his speech to them in their native language, the Pope noted that the Church in Slovenia had just celebrated its First Slovenian Plenary Council, with contributions from priests, religious and the lay people. "I exhort you," he said, "to constantly refer to the indications which have come from that providential encounter."

He also encouraged them, at the dawn of a new millennium and within a changing social scene, to see to it that, "together with the proclamation of the Gospel, the common good of society is also promoted, thus favoring the material and spiritual progress of the entire people and of each single person. ... Every genuinely human dimension, from the social, cultural and political to the economic, scientific, health care and sporting dimensions are not, in fact, 'extraneous' to the Gospel."

At the start of the Third Millennium, he went on, "know how to make your rich spiritual and cultural legacy a point of departure for a prophetic relaunch of the Gospel proclamation."

John Paul II had special words of gratitude for the priests, deacons, religious and laity in Slovenia, thanking them for their work in the new evangelization at home and abroad as missionaries.

"In our days," he remarked, "people are more attracted by witnesses than by teachers, as a proverb of yours states so well: 'While words entice, examples attract'. This is why it is important that all those who wish to dedicate themselves to the apostolate be known for their holiness, doctrine and wisdom. ... Dear brothers in the episcopacy, this demands constant theological, liturgical and pastoral formation."

"Dedicate yourselves with the maximum care to the human and spiritual formation of future priests. ... At the same time, see to it that the lay faithful are committed to fulfilling their mission in the diverse spheres of the social, political, economic and cultural life of the country, as heralds of Christ and the prophetic force of His Gospel."

In closing remarks, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of "a renewed thrust in evangelization, ... a tireless promotion of new vocations to the priesthood, the consecrated life and other forms of totally giving oneself to the Lord, ... and a commitment to keep the missionary spirit alive."

AL;...;...;SLOVENIA;VIS;20010426;Word: 420;