CONCLUSION OF "AD LIMINA" VISIT OF THE PARAGUAYAN BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, APR 7, 2001 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received the prelates of the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference, at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.

The Holy Father encouraged the bishops to give particular attention to priests, saying: "It is important that they receive a solid spiritual, human, and intellectual formation, which also continues after the seminary in the priestly life, in order that they become faithful, constant, and generous announcers of the mysteries of God."

"The evident necessity of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life," the Pope continued, "must in no way allow us to require less or be content with a mediocre formation and spirituality."

The Holy Father emphasized that "in Paraguay there is a notable presence of consecrated people, and of men and women religious. ... In this regard, the role of the consecrated woman in many areas of Church life should be particularly mentioned, especially for her simplicity, spirit of sacrifice, and closeness to people."

It is hoped that consecrated people, the Holy Father added, "contribute in particular to the local Church, keeping alive the significance of the presence of God and inspiring in all the faithful 'a true longing for holiness, a deep desire for conversion and personal renewal in a context of ever more intense prayer'."

John Paul II emphasized that an "authentic pastoral priority is the spreading of the social doctrine of the Church, in order to adequately confront different situations with an upright conscience, enlightened by the faith, and to promote and direct the commitment of the laity in public life. In effect, declarations and theoretical statements of principle serve little, if these are not firmly internalized through a general and systematic formation."

"To such formation, which must accompany the growth of the faith of all Christians," the Holy Father concluded, "must be added an effort of evangelization towards those who have responsibility in different areas of public administration."

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