VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received the prelates of the Guatemalan Episcopal Conference, at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.
In his discourse the Pope emphasized that priests are the bishop's first collaborators. "The present society, which is so diversified, requires that the priest be a sign of unity, who exercises his ministry with humility and pastoral charity, in order to lead the faithful to encounter Jesus Christ. Recognizing your commitment in the exercise of your ministry, I thank God for the spirit of fraternity and of sacrifice, for the witness of austerity and poverty, and for the generous mission to the service of your brothers."
After having expressed to the bishops his joy for the preparation of the National Plan of Priestly Pastoral Care 2001-2006, the Pope said: "May none of your priests lack the necessary means for living their sublime vocation and ministry!"
John Paul II went on to refer to the "concern" of the Guatemalan prelates for the promotion of priestly vocations and the formation of priests. He affirmed that "all must participate in vocational pastoral care, trusting that God will respond by giving to your people, if you ask with perseverance, the necessary ministers."
"It is also important to remember," he continued, "that the pastoral ministry for vocations has a privileged milieux in the youth ministry, directed towards the doctrinal, spiritual, and apostolic formation of the youth, in parishes and student residences, in apostolic associations and in movements."
The Holy Father expressed his pleasure for the way in which the bishops support the citizens "in the search for a harmonious and peaceful co-existence, founded upon the values of reconciliation, justice, solidarity, and freedom. Thus, when necessary, do not refuse to denounce injustice and to propose the principles of moral character which must also direct the development of the civil life."
"The Church in Guatemala," he emphasized, "has witnessed the shedding of blood of many of its sons. Beyond the legitimate effort to unveil the truth about these abhorrent crimes - including the assassination three years ago of Msgr. Juan Gerardi, auxiliary bishop of Guatemala - it is urgent that his memory be recalled as an 'example of limitless commitment to the cause of the Gospel'."
The Pope affirmed that the spreading of the social doctrine of the Church is "a real pastoral priority, in order to adequately confront the different situations with an upright conscience, enlightened by faith, and in order to develop and direct the commitment of the laity in public life."
To the "integral and systematic" formation of the faithful, "which must accompany the growth in the faith of every faithful Christian," he concluded, "it is necessary to make an added effort to also evangelize those who have responsibility in the diverse areas of public administration."
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