THE EFFICACY OF PRIESTS IN ECCLESIAL MOVEMENTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope to Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, for the Tenth International Theological-pastoral Meeting which is being promoted by the Focolare Movement and is taking place from June 26 to 29 on the theme "Ecclesial Movements for the New Evangelization."

In his Message, dated June 21, John Paul II recalls that in many ecclesial movements, alongside the laity, "numerous priests (participate), attracted by the charismatic, educational, community and missionary drive that accompanies the new ecclesial realities."

"The positive efficacy of priests is shown when they find in the movements the 'light and heat' that help them to mature in a fervent Christian life and, in particular, in an authentic 'sensus Ecclesiae'."

"'Touched' and 'attracted' by the same charism," continues the Holy Father, "priests and laity share a fascinating experience of fraternity among 'christifideles' who mutually edify one another without ever losing their identities."

The Pope stresses that "it would be a grave loss if we were to move towards a 'clericalization' of movements. In the same way, it would be harmful if the witness and ministry of priests were in some way overshadowed by and progressively assimilated into the lay state."

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