VATICAN CITY, JUN 7, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed participants in the General Chapter of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi, and told them "following Christ according to the teachings and example of St. Francis is for you a singular privilege, for which you should be grateful to the Lord Who called you."
He added that "many centuries of apostolic and charitable witness have enriched your Order with merits and experience." But, he said, "religious life, permeated by the Gospel, does not stop at satisfaction for the past, but lives intensely the present and projects itself with enthusiasm towards the future."
The Holy Father, highlighting their "efficacious cooperation in evangelizing the contemporary world," asked the Franciscans to "continue your commitment to the missionary apostolate. ... With creative research, formulate works of mercy which renew your traditional attention to the poor and the weakest in society, because serving the needy is an act of evangelization, the seal of an evangelizing nature and a stimulus to permanent conversion.
"As did Francis of Assisi, preach peace and penance, promote justice, defend the rights of the human person, raise your voice against exploitation and violence, care for the many wounds which today make mankind wail."
John Paul II asked the Third Order Franciscans "to contribute with commitment to the promotion of culture both in service to your brothers seeking the truth and as an instrument of integral formation and an ascetic course."
"And lastly," the Pope said, "do not forget your well-known commitment to Christian unity and the ecumenical dialogue, as well as your openness to interreligious dialogue."
AC;THIRD ORDER FRANCISCANS;...;...;VIS;20010607;Word: 280;
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