TO THAI BISHOPS: SCHOOLS, THE FAMILY, INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2001 (VIS) - The bishops of Thailand were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning as they concluded their quinquennial "ad limina" visit to the Vatican where they earlier met individually with the Pope and visited various offices of the Roman Curia.

The Pope highlighted the "commitment and self-sacrifice of countless foreign missionaries (who) contributed much to the growth of the Church in Asia. ... Today, however, the missionary endeavor has to be carried out primarily by Asians themselves."

"Though the Catholic community in Thailand forms a small minority," he remarked, "it is nevertheless held in high esteem for the good work that is being done in the fields of health care and education. Your Catholic schools provide instruction of a high standard. ... By its very nature Catholic education aims not only to provide knowledge and training but also, and more importantly, to transmit a coherent vision of life, shaped by the Gospel, which will help young people to grow in true wisdom and freedom. Contemporary society urgently needs such educational institutions to provide a solid moral training."

John Paul II then turned to the family, calling it "the foundation of society and the place where people first learn the values that will guide them through life." He stressed that bishops should give families "a special place in your pastoral concern" and that "every diocese should have an active family apostolate. ... The family is under threat from various forms of materialism and from widespread offenses against human dignity, such as the scourge of abortion, and the sexual exploitation of women and children. Fresh efforts must be constantly made in your local communities to meet these difficulties."

The Pope highlighted the important role in education to the faith played by lay and religious catechists, saying they must "be equipped for every good work. ... In the task of transmitting the faith, the Catechism of the Catholic Church would be an invaluable resource."

Urging the prelates to be attentive to the training and welfare of catechists and men and women Religious, he affirmed that "it is above all in attention to the formation and welfare of priests that a bishop shows himself to be a true pastor and a true father, brother and friend of those who are his closest collaborators in the ministry. The Church in Thailand continues to be blessed with numerous vocations."

In closing remarks, the Holy Father noted that "evangelization in Asia, a continent shaped by ancient cultures and religious traditions, presents particular challenges. ... The question of interreligious dialogue is a pressing one." He observed that "Thailand's ancient monastic tradition ... is a reminder of the primacy of the things of the spirit and should act as a counter-balance to the materialism and consumerism which affect such a large part of society."

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