HOLY FATHER WELCOMES MEMBERS OF SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 2001 (VIS) - On the occasion of their general assembly and the election of their new superior general, members of the Society of African Missions were welcomed this morning by Pope John Paul who encouraged them "to draw abundantly upon the rich spiritual legacy of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 as you renew your commitment to mission and evangelization."

He said that "a new millennium has begun in the light of Christ but, as I wrote in my apostolic letter at the close of the Jubilee, 'not everyone can see this light'." He added that, "in a world where there are many lights that distract from and are even contrary to the pure light of Christ, you must always strive to be more like Christ .... so that you may faithfully reflect His light."

The Holy Father encouraged the Society to "continue to promote and nurture missionary vocations" and "to involve the laity in your missionary work" as this "is another essential element in the 'plantatio Ecclesiae' in mission lands."

"In imitation of Our Lord and Master," said John Paul II in closing, "renew your commitment to working with the poor, especially refugees who so urgently need a sign of God's love. Accept the challenge of interreligious dialogue, a path to which the Church must dedicate greater attention in this new millennium. Defend human life at every stage of its existence, from conception to natural death."

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